UVA Batten Career Advancement

The Career Advancement team is designed to support students at every stage, from skill-building to job placement. Through Career Services, internships, employer partnerships, and strong employment outcomes, students gain the experience, connections, and confidence to launch and grow impactful careers in public policy and leadership.

  • Launch Your Career
    Launch Your Career
    UVA Batten Career Advancement equips students with the tools, connections, and guidance to launch impactful careers in public policy, leadership, and beyond.
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  • Explore Career Outcomes
    Explore Career Outcomes
    UVA Batten graduates launch careers across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, achieving strong employment outcomes in policy, consulting, government, and mission-driven organizations worldwide.
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  • Recruit Public Policy Leaders
    Recruit Public Policy Leaders
    Top employers and partners recruit UVA Batten students for their analytical rigor, leadership skills, and commitment to solving complex public policy challenges.
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  • Discover Internship Opportunities
    Discover Internship Opportunities
    Internships provide hands-on experience in public policy, government, nonprofits, and consulting, helping students build skills and launch their careers.
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Meet the Career Advancement Team
  • Jill Rockwell
    Jill Rockwell
    Senior Assistant Dean of Career Advancement and Alumni Engagement

    Jill Rockwell, Senior Assistant Dean of Career Advancement and Alumni Engagement at UVA Batten, and her team are focused on the professional success of our graduates and alumni as well as activating our alumni network in support of the school.

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  • Sarah Hanks
    Sarah Hanks
    Director of Career Advancement & Alumni Engagement

    Sarah Hanks is the Director of Career Services for the Frank Batten School. She has more than 15 years of experience in nonprofit capacity building, change management, and crisis recovery.

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  • Jason Bell
    Jason Bell
    Associate Director of Career Advancement

    Jason Bell is the Associate Director for Career Advancement at the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, where he primarily advises undergraduate students on career exploration and professional development.

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  • Kasey Kiefer
    Kasey Kiefer
    Career Advancement and Alumni Engagement Coordinator

    Kasey is the coordinator of Career Advancement and Alumni Engagement at the Batten School. She returns to Grounds after graduating from UVA in 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Global Environments & Sustainability.

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Careers in Focus: Health Policy
June 12, 2026
Careers in Focus: Health Policy

12 – 1pm

Join us for Careers in Focus, a dynamic series of panel discussions featuring alumni who have built impactful careers in specific policy sectors. These events provide an inside look at diverse professional journeys, offering valuable insights into the skills, experiences, and strategies that lead to success in the field. Our June Careers in Focus is centered on healthcare policy.  Whether you’re a student exploring career options or an alum seeking to expand your network, Careers in Focus is an opportunity to learn directly from those who have navigated the challenges and opportunities of policy work. Panelists will share their perspectives on industry trends, career development, and practical advice for breaking into and thriving in these sectors. All alumni and students are welcome to attend!  Alumni Panelists: Pending Confirmation, more information to be shared soon! 

UVA Batten Graduate Certificate Information Session
June 16, 2026
UVA Batten Graduate Certificate Information Session

12 – 1pm

No matter your current career path, whether that is HR, finance, IT, marketing, public service, or beyond, Batten's graduate certificates help you lead with greater clarity, courage, and evidence-based skill.Designed for working professionals, these flexible programs let you deepen your expertise without stepping away from your career and are eligible for the use of your UVA Education Benefits. And because the certificates stack toward Batten's Master of Public Policy, every course you complete is a step toward something larger.Join us for our in-person information session to explore our full range of offerings, including online options, and find the path that fits your goals.Lunch is provided for all attendees!

Summer Orientation: Batten Academic Exploration Session
July 7, 2026
Summer Orientation: Batten Academic Exploration Session

2 – 2:45pm

At the Frank Batten School of Leadership & Public Policy, we are committed to solving the world’s toughest policy challenges. We know the complex issues of our time demand innovative, collaborative, cross-sector relationships within our walls and beyond. Our multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving and emphasis on ethics reinforce our focus on how leadership works, why context matters in decision-making and which actions lead to tangible results.Come hear more about our two-year Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy & Leadership, Accelerated Master of Public Policy, and Minors in Public Policy & Leadership or Social Entrepreneurship!This session is only open to students attending UVA's incoming first-year and transfer orientations.