How do I set up my career path (interested in policy)?

College Majors
1

<p>I will be graduating from a state school with a BA in History (minor in political science) in Fall 2012. Recently I've been trying to come up with potential post-grad plans. I will not be going to grad school right out of undergrad (at least a 2-3 year gap). </p>

<p>While I've enjoyed studying history in my undergrad years, I doubt I will continuing my studies past my degree. By the time I've graduated, I will have an undergraduate thesis written. I am not interested in going to grad school for history. What I'm most interested in is public policy. Currently I am completing an internship with a US Senator in their regional office. I will also have completed a political science minor so I will have some academic background. </p>

<p>I know I'm not totally off base, but I don't know where exactly to go from here. I am interested in domestic politics and I have no interest in law school. </p>

<p>So far I've come up with the following options:
1) Find a job in Albany/NYC/DC as a political staffer or on some sort of campaign, etc.
- I'm not sure how to go about this. I know networking will help but other than that how do I find these opportunities? I'm worried that I'll move out to one of these places and then I'll be stuck without a job.
2) Do a year of service program like City Year or another Americorps
- Only concern is living expenses and the competitiveness of the program. I know the stipend is rather small. I like the idea of the program (year long community service) and I think there will be networking opportunities. </p>

<p>I've also considered teaching english abroad. My other option would to be to move home and find an unrelated job. I'm willing to do that but I don't want to get stuck doing something longterm that won't help my career. </p>

<p>Any suggestions? I realize that most of the options I've looked into are fairly competitive. Are there any alternatives I haven't explored? I am familiar with my college's career center and I will be visiting again in the fall. </p>

<p>Thank you!</p>

2

<p>Currently I believe there is still a hiring freeze within the majority of the federal agencies. But all hope is not lost. Get as many internships as you can. Maybe your school has a semester at DC program. Network as much as you can in your internship.</p>

3

<p>I have heard about the hiring freeze but I’m hoping things may be slightly better in a year or two.</p>

<p>There is a SUNY DC internship program I could do, but it would be in the summer. If I can’t get into it there’s always the option of doing an internship without earning academic credit. I’ll look into both options, thanks!</p>