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Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Advocates

For entry-level positions, Carol suggests internships are crucial, recommending looking into "legislative offices, government agencies, advocacy orgs, nonprofits, other lobbying firms" early in college, along with volunteer opportunities and attending advocacy days to gain experience and be noticed. Carol also highlights specific programs like a SAC State internship for college credit and the Capital Fellows program post-graduation, offering placements in legislative, executive, or research branches.

Internships, Advocacy, Government, Entry-Level, Policy

Advizer Information

Name

Job Title

Company

Undergrad

Grad Programs

Majors

Industries

Job Functions

Traits

Carol Gonzalez

CEO

Latina Advocates

CSU Sacramento

​

Communications, Political Science, American Studies

Government & Public Sector

Consulting

HSI Grad, Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, LGBTQ, First Generation College Student

Video Highlights

1. Internships are available in various sectors such as legislative offices, government agencies, advocacy organizations, nonprofits, and lobbying firms, offering opportunities for students to apply early in their college career.

2. Volunteering, attending advocacy days, and observing capital committee hearings are excellent ways to get involved and witness policy-making in real-time.

3. Programs like the SAC State internship program (for college credit) and the Capital Fellows program (post-graduation placements in legislative, executive, or research branches) provide structured pathways for gaining hands-on policy experience.

Transcript

What entry-level positions are there in this field that an undergraduate or graduate student might consider?

I think folks should do their best to look for internships anywhere they think they want to work. This could be legislative offices, government agencies, advocacy organizations, nonprofits, or other lobbying firms.

There are many entry-level jobs and internships where you can apply early on while still in college. You can also volunteer or attend advocacy days. These are great ways to get involved.

Showing up to capital committee hearings is another option, as they are open to the public. These offer great opportunities to see policy in action in real time.

There is also a Sac State program that allows students to intern for college credit. After graduation, you can apply for the Capital Fellows program. You could be placed in various branches of government.

This includes legislative roles, either in the Assembly or Senate, or executive roles in the governor's office or other related offices. You could also work in research at science agencies or other related agencies.

This hands-on experience allows you to work on policy in different areas. I think these are the typical opportunities people look for when exploring options.

Ultimately, any experience you can get is really helpful. People will notice your efforts and see the work you put in.

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