Sanford School of Public Policy
Duke University

Helping Students Make Connections

Most of our students pursue careers in public service, but today, public service takes many forms. Our graduates find rewarding career opportunities in all sectors: federal, state, and local government, domestic and international nonprofit organizations, and the private sector, as well as in entrepreneurial settings. They apply their MPP skills at all stages of the policymaking process, from budget analysis to political operations to service delivery.

First Positions of MPP Graduates, 2004-2008

Individual attention. The intimate nature of our program allows the Office of Career Services to tailor job-search assistance to help MPP students apply their policy analysis skills based on individual interests, strengths, and goals.

Professional skills. We begin the process as soon as you arrive at Duke, by offering a series of professional development workshops to develop skills you will use throughout your career, such as resume writing, interviewing, networking, and job search skills.

Career Seminar in Washington, D.C. The Sanford School has a special relationship with alumni and employers in the Washington, D.C. area, who provide valuable internship and job search connections. Each winter, first-year MPP students travel to Washington, D.C., for two days of seminar on careers in our nation’s capital, featuring employers in many sectors and policy areas. Students always return energized, with clearer ideas about career paths they can pursue, and armed with the business cards and e-mail addresses of people who can help them get started.

Internship. After the first year of study, all MPP students are required to complete a policy-relevant internship. The Career Services Office helps develop internship search plans, working with our loyal alumni network along with our catalogue of intern sponsors.

Career search plans. During the second year, we help students develop and implement career search plans. We offer on-campus recruiting opportunities, post job listings, and assist with applications for special fellowships such as the Presidential Management Fellowship, the Mickey Leland International Hunger Fellowship, and various state and local management fellowships. In addition, we provide alumni mentors for students who want to talk with professionals in the field.

Networks. A critical focus of our work is providing students with networking skills and resources. Both the MPP and general Duke alumni networks are valuable resources for professional advice and specific position information. In addition, we help our students build their existing individual networks and develop the confidence to use them to launch their policy careers.