Entry-level Positions for Aspiring Communicators in California Government
Melissa, Chief of Strategic Communications at California High-Speed Rail Authority, highlights numerous entry-level opportunities in public service, including "student assistant positions" offering valuable experience and "fellowship opportunities," such as the competitive Capital Fellows program. The Authority also consistently hires for entry-level roles in communications, encompassing outreach, press, writing, and social media, emphasizing the importance of networking and asking questions to navigate the public service system.
Public Service, Entry-Level Jobs, Communications Careers, State Government, Career Opportunities
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Melissa Figueroa
Chief of Strategic Communications
California High-Speed Rail Authority
Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
none
Creative Writing, Journalism
Government & Public Sector
Communication and Marketing
Transfer Student
Video Highlights
1. Numerous entry-level opportunities exist in state government, including student assistant positions and fellowships.
2. Student assistant positions offer valuable experience and pay well, providing a foot in the door for learning about public service.
3. Fellowship opportunities, such as the Capital Fellows program, offer paid placements in various departments for recent graduates or graduate students.
Transcript
What entry-level positions are there in this field that an undergraduate college student might consider?
There are so many opportunities. I wish I had known about public service and state government when I was an undergraduate. I didn't even know it was a world I could consider. Not that I think poorly of the way I started my career, but it would have been an option when you're looking for a job.
Right now, in the state, we have student assistant positions across every department and agency in the administration. These are wonderful jobs, and they pay well. You get your foot in the door in a department, agency, or any part of the administration to learn if it's something you like, and you get really good work.
We have two student assistants working on our communications team. One focuses on outreach, and the other on the day-to-day press side. They are constantly engaged in activities, so it's really fun.
There are also a number of more short-term fellowship opportunities. I've been a mentor in the Capital Fellows program for about 15 years. It's a very selective process, but they place a cohort of about 17 graduate or recently graduated students into different departments. There's also a Senate and an Assembly fellowship, placing students in legislative offices for 10 months. It's paid, and that's a really good opportunity to see if public service is for you.
These are two starting points for full-time work post-graduation. There are entry-level positions in every department. In communications, we are always hiring for entry-level outreach, press, and writing positions, as well as social media roles. We are always looking for people to work in this industry, and that's just in comms. Throughout the department, there are always entry-level positions.
It's just a matter of knowing what you want to do with your career. If you're considering public service and working for the state, I would always recommend finding someone who understands the system, because it's not easy to navigate. Ask questions, and don't be afraid to ask them, because we're here to help.