Prepared by the Career Planning staff of Career Services at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. (2005) UTK is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA Employer.
Government: Employers
Employers
Federal agencies including: The Smithsonian Institute, National Archives and Records, Library of Congress, National Park Service, Intelligence services, Foreign service
State and local agencies including: Archives and libraries, Museums, parks and historic sites, Municipal archives, Arts and humanities councils
Government: Strategies
Strategies
Gain relevant experience in student government or other related organizations.
Complete an internship with a government agency. Maintain a superior academic record. Plan on obtaining an advanced degree. Develop foreign language skills.
Become familiar with specialized government hiring procedures. Consider a variety of entry-level positions in all branches of local, state and federal government.
Politics: Employers
Employers
- Elected or appointed public officials (i.e., legislators, governors, mayors, judges)
- National political party headquarters
- Public interest/advocacy groups
- Political campaigns
Politics: Strategies
Strategies
Gain experience and make contacts through internships with government agencies or public officials. Volunteer to work with public interest groups, political campaigns, political associations or community service projects.
Participate in student government and campus politics.
Law: Employers
Employers
- Law firms
- Corporate legal departments
- Government agencies
- Public advocacy groups
Law: Strategies
Strategies
Obtain paralegal training or law degree. Gain experience through summer or part-time work in a law firm. Volunteer with a public advocacy group. Participate in mock trial and pre-law associations.
Non-Profit Organizations: Employers
Employers
- History museums and historic sites
- Historical associations and societies
- Cultural heritage organizations
- Historical projects
- Research and service institutions
Non-Profit Organizations: Strategies
Strategies
Volunteer with various nonprofit organizations of interest. Consider supplementing curriculum with relevant course work in anthropology, sociology, art history or foreign languages.
Curatorial and Archival Management: Employers
Employers
- Museums
- Historical homes
- Art galleries
- Special collections
- Historical societies
- Libraries
- Universities and colleges
- National, state and local government
- Corporations
- Non-profit organizations
- Research institutes
Curatorial and Archival Management: Strategies
Strategies
Acquire strong computer knowledge and experience. Obtain an internship or volunteer in a related organization. Develop excellent written and oral communication skills. Hone organizational skills and develop attention to detail.
Earn a master’s degree in information sciences for advanced opportunities in data management.
Journalism: Areas & Employers
Areas – Journalism
Employers
- News departments of local, public and commercial radio and TV stations
- Syndicated radio services
- Newspapers
- National, state and regional radio networks
Journalism: Strategies
Strategies
- Work on campus newspaper, TV or radio.
- Find summer or part-time work with local commercial TV or radio station.
- Volunteer with public TV or radio.
- Consider obtaining a minor or double major in journalism or broadcasting/electronic media.
Education: Areas & Employers
Areas – Education
- Teaching: Elementary, Middle or Secondary, Higher Education
- Community Education
Employers
- Public and private schools
- Colleges and universities
- Museums
- Zoological parks, aquariums, wildlife refuges and bird sanctuaries
- Arboretums, gardens and conservatories
- Camps
- National and state parks
Education: Strategies
Strategies
Develop excellent presentation skills. Become skilled in the use of multimedia.
Learn how to develop curriculums and workshops. Become an “expert” in a particular subject. Obtain teaching certificate for public school teaching. Obtain a graduate degree for college and/or university teaching. Gain experience as a tutor, camp counselor, church schoolteacher, etc. Build strong relationships with professors, supervisors or other community leaders for strong personal recommendations. Complete an internship or volunteer in a setting of interest.
Business: Areas & Employers
Areas – Business
- Management
- Sales
- Office Administration
Employers
- All major retail firms including drug, specialty, variety and department store chains
- Wholesalers
- Manufacturers
- Insurance companies
- Real estate agencies
- Financial institutions
- Nonprofit organizations
Business: Strategies
Strategies
Earn a minor in business. Obtain related experience through advertisement sales positions with campus yearbook or newspaper. Gain relevant retail sales experience. Acquire good computer and statistical skills. Develop excellent communication skills. Demonstrate a high energy level. Obtain leadership experience in student or community organizations. Consider an MBA for brand management, consulting and research opportunities.