Government, International Affairs, Law, & Social Impact (GILS)

Government, International Affairs, Law & Social Impact
ASK YOURSELF...
- Do you enjoy advocating for your community?
- Do you want to create change through developing legal and public policies?
- Do you want to solve complex issues in the global world by collaborating with others?
- Do you enjoy traveling or studying foreign languages and cross-cultural courses?
- Do you have interest in local, state, or federal government?
If you answered yes to any of these questions...
CONSIDER JOINING GILS!
The GILS community consists of people who are interested in or work in the government, international affairs, law, or social impact industries. Find your professional “home” in GILS to explore industry-specific opportunities and connect with people who share your career interests.
Careers interests in this community include (but are not limited to) representing constituents/citizens, upholding and enforcing laws, leading government and/or international initiatives, conducting research to inform public policies, advocating for more equitable societies, and collaborating with agencies to work toward a common goal.
Essential Skills in GILS
- Ability to develop an argument and influence others
- Ability to gather and analyze data to inform decisions
- Ability to work in teams and collaborate with others
- Critical thinking and flexibility to develop creative solutions
- Excellent organizational skills
Explore Career Paths in GILS
O*Net Online - This free online database contains hundreds of occupational definitions to help students, job seekers, businesses and workforce development professionals to understand today's world of work in the United States.
What Can I Do With This Major? - Learn how majors span multiple industries and the various areas you can apply your major within
Resources Specific to Careers in this Community
Student Organizations
- Community Based Learning
- Confronting our Racism Coalition
- Equal Access
- Goucher Democrats
- Goucher Republicans
- Goucher Student Government – Club Council
- Goucher Student Government- Senate
- Model Senate
- Radical Student Union
- Social Justice Committee
- Women of Color Circle
Alumni Spotlight
Jamila Thompson ’01

Professional Associations
*This is not meant to be a comprehensive list and only includes some of the many professional associations in each industry.
Professional associations unite people in the same profession/occupation. They provide opportunities for members to engage in professional development and advance in their careers. Benefits include networking with other professionals, access to conferences/workshops, and trainings/certifications within the field.
Government and Political Affairs
- American Federation of Government Employees
- American Political Science Association
- Government Relations Association
- ICMA
- International Political Science Association
- Midwest Political Science Association
- National Association of Counties
- Northeastern Political Science Association
- Southern Political Science Association
- Young Government Leaders
International Affairs
- American Foreign Service Association
- Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs
- Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs
- Society for International Affairs
- Society for International Development
- The International Studies Association
- Young Professionals in Foreign Policy
- Young Professionals in International Affairs