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Learn More: Contact OPIA with any questions: opia@law.harvard.edu
At OPIA, our goal is to help you find a great public interest job and avoid the common mistakes that can derail your job search. Read our list of common job search mistakes and don’t let them happen to you!
Searching for post-graduate job opportunities can feel daunting – or even overwhelming. We can help you get started by breaking down the process into more manageable chunks. Here are the four primary ways to search for entry-level job opportunities.
While the public sector is extremely varied, most employers are looking for a core set of skills. These are skills you may already have and should continue to develop during law school through internships, clinics, and coursework.
As you develop your plans for your post-graduate public interest job search, you may be considering applying to fellowships, government honors programs, and/or direct entry-level positions. Along with these options, you may be wondering about whether to include clerkship applications.
We strongly encourage you to apply for fellowships to support the work that excites you. Because many fellowships require you to pursue a project with a host organization and some fellowships have very early deadlines, it is important to begin preparing NOW.
Because many fellowships require you to pursue a project or position with a host organization and some fellowships have early deadlines, it is important to begin preparing during your 2L spring for the fellowship application process.
Follow these key tips for PSVF Organization-Based Fellowship applications and learn about the PSVF Seed Grant.
Although the vast majority of public interest employers will not begin to consider applications for post-graduate employment until the fall, we wanted to alert you to some earlier deadlines of which we are currently aware.
Once you identify jobs for which you would like to apply, it is time to start preparing your application materials. During your 2L summer, complete the following to prepare materials for an entry-level public interest job search.
Government Honors Programs are the most common pathway for 3Ls and certain recent graduates to enter government service. In preparation for your 3L year, you should start to get familiar with these opportunities now.