Explore the Education, Government, Nonprofit & Policy Career Community

This community is a great starting place for those who value purpose-driven work. Students interested in Education, Government, Nonprofit & Policy careers often like to instruct, advocate, mentor, research, guide, and assist individuals and various groups or populations. They are concerned with issues like social justice, equality, educational access and attainment, mental health, and individual and community wellness. They enjoy helping others, working with organizations delivering services aligned with their passions, and contributing to the good of society.

Career paths dedicated to public good cut across industries, and are all connected through the common goal of addressing society’s big challenges. Those who follow this community are often involved in matters such as education reform, racial justice, human rights, sustainability and climate change, mental health, and food security. This work can occur in the classroom, through direct service organizations, community organizing, public service, fundraising, policy research and development, and even in corporate settings through roles in social responsibility.

No matter the setting, this community presents opportunities to connect over social change and mission-driven work on individual, community, and global scales.

  • EDJOIN – Job board site offering a wide range of opportunities throughout the country in the education sector
  • Education and Training Career Cluster – Career OneStop provides insight into the Education and Training career cluster, including activities, resources, and locations for careers at public and private schools; colleges and universities; libraries, museums, and corporate training services.
  • HigherEd Jobs – One of the leading sources for jobs and career information in academia, along with news, career advice, and newsletter sign-ups
  • National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) – Find job openings at independent schools across the nation, along with research, insights, and guidance to sustain exceptional learning experiences
  • National Education Association (NEA) – Information on teacher licensure/state certification requirements as well as descriptions of career paths and degree options for those interested in teaching
  • SchoolSpring – Find education-related job opportunities nationwide, along with centralized job searches, document management tools, and email alerts
  • Teach Abroad – Teaching English abroad offers an incredible opportunity to travel the world while gaining invaluable skills and experiences that can enrich both your personal and professional life. Browse international teaching jobs and programs.

  • Career OneStop State Job Banks – Access state job banks, information on employment agencies, and updates on upcoming job fairs
  • FedSupport – Resource hub through the Partnership for Public Service supporting the needs of civil service and federal employees through guides, webinars, blogs, events, and videos
  • Government and Public Administration Career Cluster – Career OneStop provides insight into the Government and Public Administration career cluster, including planning and performing government functions at the local, state and federal levels, including governance, national security, foreign service, planning, revenue and taxation, and regulations
  • Government Jobs – Search for and apply to local and state government jobs, along with resources and signing up for free access membership to get discovered by employers and receive job alerts
  • Partnership for Public Service – Job, internship and career information for students interested in public service
  • Public Service Leadership Institute – Explore courses for local, state, and federal employees for entry-level to executive leadership positions with skills to plan, design, and implement creative solutions within the government sector

  • Foundation List – Explore jobs and resources related to nonprofit organizations, foundations, healthcare, and medical organizations; and educational institutions
  • Human Rights Careers – Explore courses, careers, internships, and current issues within the human rights field
  • Human Services Career Cluster – Career OneStop provides insight into the Human Services career cluster focused on meeting human needs through activities such as counseling and mental health services, family and community services, personal care and consumer services
  • Idealist – Explore resources for seeking a nonprofit career, along with internships, job boards, career advice, and salary explorer
  • NC Center for Nonprofits – Get resources, connect with other nonprofits, advocate for important issues, and learn about career opportunities with NC nonprofits
  • On Think Tanks – A global consultancy and platform for change, along with access to resources, events, directory, and jobs board
  • Second Day – Insight into social impact job pathways, access to the job board, fellowship opportunities, internships, and career resources

  • Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management (APPAM) – Professional organization dedicated to improving public policy and management by fostering excellence in research, analysis, and education
  • Bipartisan Policy Center – Internship opportunities to perform work tasks for a variety of policy areas throughout the school year (e.g., fall/spring semesters, summer programs)
  • MDRC – Explore jobs, fellowships, internships, and resources related to research that supports the reduction of poverty throughout the country and how study results can support policymakers and practitioners
  • Poverty Action Lab – Explore career opportunities and additional resources at the center focused on reducing poverty by ensuring policy is informed by scientific evidence
  • Sanford School of Public Policy Undergraduate Resources – Career services resources for undergraduate students (e.g., support for internship search, templates, policies and procedures; and networking strategies)
  • The Hunt Institute – Explore programs, initiatives, resources, and career opportunities focused on educational policy

Education, Government, Nonprofit & Policy Community Manager

Paid Internship and Fellowship Opportunities for Students Enrolled in North Carolina and South Carolina Colleges and Universities

In summer 2026, MDRC, one of the nation’s premier social policy research firms, will offer students a paid eight-week internship or fellowship through its Gueron Scholars Program. Based on funding received, this opportunity is open to one rising senior, one master’s student, and one doctoral student enrolled in colleges or universities in North Carolina and South Carolina. The …

By Greg Victory (he/him/his)
Greg Victory (he/him/his) Assistant VP Student Affairs/Fannie Mitchell Executive Director, Career Center
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First Years & Sophomores: Explore Your Future on a Career Trek to Atlanta

Not sure what you want to do yet—or curious about how your interests might translate into a career? The Duke Career Center invites first-year and sophomore students to step outside the classroom and into the real world on our Career …

By Sh'Maughn Wright, He/Him/His
Sh'Maughn Wright, He/Him/His Career Specialist
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When Students Land Their Summer Experiences: The 2025 SES Offer Timeline

Now in its second year, the Summer Experience Survey (SES) continues to provide valuable insight into how Duke students secure their summer opportunities, from when offers arrive to the types of experiences they pursue. Building on last year’s pilot launch, …

By Marco Castillo
Marco Castillo
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Explore Biomedical Research Training Opportunities at the NIH

Are you curious about pursuing a career in biomedical research? The National Institutes of Health (NIH), the nation’s premier biomedical research agency, offers a range of paid training programs designed to immerse students and early-career scientists in collaborative, cutting-edge research.

By Michael "Rudi" Rudisill (he/him)
Michael "Rudi" Rudisill (he/him) Assistant Director, Career Services
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Hart Fellowship applications are now open!

The Hart Fellowship is a one-year postgraduate fellowship that provides recent Duke graduates with the opportunity to engage deeply and meaningfully with a community partner on a topic of social, political, or humanitarian importance. Throughout the year, Hart Fellows will …

By Shakeerrah Lawrence, PhD (she, her, hers)
Shakeerrah Lawrence, PhD (she, her, hers) Assistant Director, Career Services
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