Lost in the Policy Maze: Where Do I Even Start?
So, I got my Master’s in International Public Policy and Management from a top school, thinking the world would be my oyster. Fast forward to now: after serving with AmeriCorps (until funding vanished overnight), I’m back to square one, staring at job boards and wondering, "What on earth am I even qualified for?"
I’ve applied everywhere—congressional internships, legislative aide gigs, even reached out to local politicians. Still, most roles seem to want someone who’s already got experience. How does that even work? I want to get my hands dirty in foreign policy, trade, or healthcare, but it feels like the doors are closed unless you’re already inside.
Maybe think tanks or private sector policy roles are the answer? Or do I just keep grinding out applications for internships meant for current students? If you’ve been in my shoes, or have tips to make my resume and cover letters stand out, I’d love to hear from you. Sometimes, it feels like you need experience to get experience—classic catch-22, right? 🤦♂️
But hey, I did meet a Senate candidate at a rally, and his team took my info. Maybe that’s the start of something. Fingers crossed! 🤞
#PublicPolicy #CareerGrowth #JobHunting #JobCareer