Our Alumni Make Change
Our alumni are pursuing work all over the world making change. They are at schools and universities; in researching and consulting; at local, state, and federal agencies; in the private sector; and at nonprofits and NGOs. Some are even pursuing additional education, including PhDs and JDs.
22%
of graduates pursue work at a state agency
20%
of graduates pursue work at a nonprofit organization or NGO
18%
of graduates pursue work in the private sector
11%
of graduates pursue work at a federal agency
Recent Graduate Placements
- Mass Health
- Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
- Internal Revenue Service
- Commonwealth of Massachusetts
- Professional Insurance Agents
- Smithsonian Institution
- AFSCME Union
- Children's Trust
- CADCA Supporting Survivors & Violence Free Communities
- University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Collaborative Parent Leadership Action Network
- The Recycling Partnership
- The Research Bureau
- Mental Health First Aid
- Springfield Works
- Hampshire College
- Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources
- University of California San Francisco
- Hampshire College
- Department of Justice
- City of Easthampton
- Fall River Public Schools
- Applied Public Policy Fellow
- Education Equity Advocate
- Residence Director
- Healthy Youth Coalition Coordinator
- Senior Consultant
- Legislative Aide
- Community Development Planner
- Political and Legislative Advocacy Apprentice
- Senior Program Coordinator
- Operations Analyst
- Gift Planning Administration & Marketing
- Instructional Support Liaison
- Social Scientist
- Constituent & Legislative Affairs Director
- International Associate
- Health Research Analyst
- Policy Analyst
- Grid Modernization Program Coordinator
- Diversion Specialist
- Public Policy & Government Affairs Manager
- Web Design Consultant
- System Coordinator
- Community Engagement Coordinator
Internship Placements
- United Nations Development Programme
- National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA)
- Econometrica, Inc.
- Eversource
- University of Massachusetts Amherst, Office of Academic Planning and Assessment
- Federal Transit Administration
- State of CT, Department of Consumer Protection
- UMass Amherst Faculty Senate
- Student Engagement and Leadership Department (UMass Amherst)
- MA LBGTQ Chamber of Commerce / Civic Action Project
- The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts
- Massachusetts Executive Office for Administration and Finance
- Think City
- Smithsonian Cultural Rescue Initiative (SCRI)
- Jane Doe Inc. The Massachusetts Coalition Against Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence (JDI)
- Commonwealth of Massachusetts–Department of Revenue
- AIDS Project of Southern Vermont
- Project Bread
- Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
- NY Legal Aid Society, Bronx Criminal Defense Practice
- Every Voice Coalition
- Green Energy Consumers Alliance
- City of Boston
- Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR)
- Commonwealth Honors College
- Northeast Recycling Council
- Department of Energy Resources (DOER) / Civic Action Project (CAP)
- Boston Federal Reserve Bank
- City Councilor Kendra Lara
- House Chair Jeffrey Roy - MA Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy
- The Environmental League of Massachusetts
- NOAA OICR Office
- Massachusetts Teachers Association
- Verite
- Hampshire County Sheriff's Office/Jail
- Tapestry Health
- Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
- Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition
- Springfield WORKS
- Congressman Keating District Office MA09
- Tim Whelan for Barnstable County Sheriff
- UR Community Cares
Professional and Career Development
Our curriculum balances academic theory with professional skills development and practical experience, preparing our students go on to become leaders in public service. The program includes:
- Professional Development Opportunities: Including networking trips to Washington, Boston, New York, and across western Massachusetts; a professional development seminar; and career services support
- Internships: A key component of the School of Public Policy's program, allowing students to pursue their individual interests in depth while gaining invaluable professional experience
- Career and Internship Resources: SPP's professional network and biweekly Job Bulletin connect students and alumni with the latest opportunities
- Professional Development Seminar: This one-credit course provides students with the tools and support to reflect on their career interests and goals. They learn how to write resumes and cover letters, research potential careers, practice employment negotiations and public speaking, and put their skills to the test through informational interviews and networking situations. They also have the opportunity to connect with alumni and other professionals.
Nick Russo