Launch Your Career
UVA Batten students and alumni have access to dedicated career advisors, networking events, one-on-one coaching, and a wide range of professional development resources designed to support career exploration, job placement, and long-term growth.
Our Job is
Advancing Yours
The UVA Batten Career Advancement Team prepares students to translate their education into meaningful careers. Through personalized coaching, employer connections, and hands-on professional development, students build the skills and experience needed to succeed across government, nonprofit, and private sectors.
Each industry has its own preferences and expectations for resume formatting and content. We have resume and cover letter tips geared to specific industries and organizations where Batten students excel, including:
- Capitol Hill
- Consulting
- Federal jobs
- Intelligence and security (CIA and FBI)
- International development
- Nonprofits and NGOs
- Think tanks
You can find more in-depth information on resumes on UVA Batten Connect.
We support students with interview preparation resources and mock interviews based on industry. On UVA Batten Connect, you will find in-depth information about interview formats including:
- Phone / screening interviews
- Virtual / recorded interviews
- Panel interviews
- Group interviews
- Off-site / on-site interviews
We also cover interview types such as behavioral, case/technical, and specialized interviews including background and security clearances.
Develop Competitive Application Materials
A strong resume and cover letter can catch the eye of employers, while solid interview preparation builds your confidence and strengthens your position as a candidate. We can help you stand out with advice and resources targeted to specific fields.
Career Advancement helps students identify and pursue opportunities in their target sectors. Resources include job and internship search strategies, employer connections, and Handshake, which connects students with positions across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
A 400-hour internship is a cornerstone of the Master of Public Policy degree. Career Advancement helps students identify and secure internship opportunities aligned with their policy interests and career goals. Guidance on fulfilling the internship requirement, including approved placements and documentation, is available through Career Advancement and on UVA Batten Connect.
Many UVA Batten students choose to continue their education, whether at UVA or another institution. Career Advancement can help you navigate the graduate school application process, including school selection, application materials, and preparation for graduate admissions interviews.
Explore Careers, Internships & Graduate Pathways
Batten graduates pursue careers across nonprofits, NGOs, government, consulting, and the private sector. Students also use internships to gain real-world experience — a 400-hour internship is a cornerstone of the MPP degree. Whatever path you take, we have resources to support you.
UVA Batten offers structured mentoring programs that connect students with alumni and professionals working in policy-relevant fields. Mentors share insights on career paths, day-to-day work, and professional development.
Career Panels & Events
- Attend employer information sessions, alumni panels, and networking receptions hosted throughout the academic year.
LinkedIn & Online Networking
- Guidance on building and maintaining your professional online presence, including LinkedIn strategy tailored to public policy careers.
Grow Your Network & Find Mentors
Finding a mentor and building your professional network are powerful ways to explore career paths, develop your goals, and build lasting contacts. Batten offers multiple mentoring and networking opportunities for students and recent graduates.