Government, Public Administration & Law

Here you can explore careers dedicated to public service. Whether you are interested in a profession that enforces laws and policies or promotes political and social change; individuals interested in this career community tend to have an overarching desire to improve society. Individuals who pursue careers in government, public administration & law will attain competencies in intercultural communication, writing, research, conflict resolution, logical reasoning, critical thinking, data analysis, and public relations.

The GPAL Career Community is dedicated to providing resources and tools to successfully explore various career paths including gaining in-depth knowledge into academic requirements, internships/fellowships, and necessary skills to succeed in the 21st-century job market.

Government- virtually every occupation can be found within government (e.g. finance, IT, social work). There are over 170 federal departments and agencies in existence- https://gogovernment.org/ The goal of this community is to shed light into career paths ONLY found within government. Sample professions include: national security, international affairs, foreign service, politics, public policy, emergency management, law enforcement, legislative services, human rights.

Public Administration– shapes society through public service at the local, state, and federal levels. Careers in this field focus on managing public systems, executing leadership in the public sector, all while working directly with people. Sample professions include: elected official, city council-manager, court administrator, county clerk.

Law-choosing a career in the legal profession brings diverse career opportunities. No matter the type of law you choose to practice, you will focus your efforts on serving clients and resolving complex issues.

Sample professions include: prosecution, defense, corporate, nonprofit/public interest, lobbying, mediation.

Career & Internship Fair | 10.18.23

Article by Anna McGrade
Photo by Dillon Kneucker
The Spectrum Newspaper

On Wednesday, Oct. 18, Sacred Heart University’s, Center for Career and Professional Development held its annual Career and Internship Fair. This fair invited employers from many different companies to …

By Career & Professional Development
Career & Professional Development
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A Note from the GA

My name is Elizabeth Kilmer, and I am the current graduate assistant in the Center for Career and Professional Development!

A little background: I recently graduated from Merrimack College on a three-year track with a degree in business administration concentrating …

By Career & Professional Development
Career & Professional Development
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Career Ambassador Extends Experience Outside the Classroom

SHU Student Explores Mankind’s Ties to God and Nature
JULY 26, 2023

Emma Grady attends integral ecology seminar at Cornell University

Sacred Heart University junior Emma Grady spent a week recently contemplating the interconnection among God, people and the environment …

By Amy Novak
Amy Novak Senior Director
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Sidebar

Success Stories

Community Network

  • Director of Government Affairs Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health – US
  • MPA Program. Associate Professor, Department of Government Sacred Heart University
  • Fulbright Recipient, Serbia Peace Corps Volunteer, Kosovo
  • Washington, D.C.
  • Academic Advising and Success Specialist Institute of World Politics
  • Deputy Chief of Police Milford Police Department
  • Professor and Chairman, Department of Government Sacred Heart University
  • Candidate for J.D. St. John’s University School of Law

Gary Turco ’03

Alumni
  • State Representative State of Connecticut

Katya Valasek

Community Member
  • Director of Admissions Seton Hall University School of Law

Associated Colleges

Career Outcomes

Over the past three-years, Sacred Heart averages a 99.4% overall placement rate, with a 90% overall response rate. Outcome data for Sacred Heart University is obtained through the Center for Career & Professional Development, in accordance with national standards. We extend our First-Destination survey to students who have received Bachelor’s Degrees in the respective year are surveyed from the time of graduation, to 12-months following graduation. We are currently collecting data for the 2021 & 2022 student cohorts. 

Check out our Class of 2019 First-Destination Infographic here!

Check out our Class of 2020 First-Destination Infographic here!

  • First Destination
  • Top Employers
  • Starting Salary
  • Employment Locations
  • Top Universities
  • Degree Types
  • Fields of Study

First Destination

SHU Pioneers pursue a variety of careers paths after graduation; most recent respondents indicated they are:

Featured Resources


What Can I Do With This Major?

With 100 major profiles that include information on common career paths, types of employers that hire in the field, and …


Contact & Location

Phone
(203) 371-7971
Address

Linda E. McMahon Student Commons
5151 Park Avenue
Fairfield, CT 06825

Center Hours

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Tuesday 8:30am-6:00pm
Wednesday 8:30am-6:00pm
Thursday 8:30am-6:00pm
Friday 8:30am-5:00pm