Kristina Pepelko '12 & '19
My favorite Grand Valley memories were made by being a part of student organizations, especially the Humane Society of Grand Valley and the Student Environmental Coalition.
The Human and Public Service Community covers a wide range of jobs or career interests. Passionate about advocating for change? Enjoy communicating ideas and presenting on them? Skilled in critical thinking around various issues? This may be a great community for you to join! Some of the jobs you may learn more about include social worker, attorney, city planner, lobbyist, non-profit administrator, and detective. Jobs will be explored through internship postings, event opportunities, industry information, and professional development resources.
Many students are interested in pursuing areas within human and public service at GVSU, but aren’t sure how to get started. Here are some tools to help you learn more about GVSU majors and various pathways in human and public service careers.
Getting involved and gaining experience is a great way to explore your interests, “test out” ideas, and learn more about the world of work. Getting involved can look like a variety of things. The important thing is to try something!
Some jobs and industries may require you to go beyond a bachelor’s degree to consider graduate level programs and/or licensure. For some students, they may choose to start a graduate program immediately after undergrad, while others may choose to take a gap year to gain experience before pursuing an advanced degree.
Many students are interested in pursuing areas within human and public service at GVSU, but aren’t sure how to get started. Here are some tools to help you learn more about GVSU majors and various pathways in human and public service careers.
Career Path: I Just Want to Help People
Not-so-Secret Career Advice from a Former Secret Service Agent
Areas of interest might include advocacy work, support services, counseling, development, philanthropy, programming, or outreach
Areas of interest might include public safety, law enforcement, policy, research, lobbying, foreign service, or regulatory affairs
This area might include consultation, sales, entrepreneurship, law, or human resources
Click on each career guide to obtain information about internship & volunteer sites, job titles, and skills relevant to these areas.
Check out department websites for course offerings and curriculum guides, additional career resources, relevant events, and more!
Minors and certificates can be a great way to demonstrate to employers that you have training in a specific area or skillset.
Check out what alumni are doing in human and public service related sectors to help inform your own career journey.
My favorite Grand Valley memories were made by being a part of student organizations, especially the Humane Society of Grand Valley and the Student Environmental Coalition.
My favorite GV memory is having Physical Education classes in the old farmhouse.
I was lucky enough to have my Honors freshman sequence downtown. I enjoyed exploring and learning about the city of Grand Rapids.
Find more Human & Public Service alumni on LinkedIn!
Don't have a LinkedIn profile? Read these tips to learn more!
Getting involved and gaining experience is a great way to explore your interests, “test out” ideas, and learn more about the world of work. Getting involved can look like a variety of things. The important thing is to try something!
On-campus student organizations with a professional goal are an excellent way to explore your future career and get involved in your field. For more information on the organizations below use the GVSU LakerLink.
Environmental
National Association
of Environmental Professionals
Student Conservation Association
Nonprofit
Certified Nonprofit
Professionals (CNP)
Young Nonprofit Professionals
International City/County
Manager Association
Psychology
American Psychological Association
American Board of Forensic Psychology
American Counseling Association
National Board Certified Counselors
Social Work
The
National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
There are no upcoming Career Community- Human & Public Service at this time
6/11/25
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
for job 9990106
City of Saint Paul
Expires: 6/13/25
6/10/25
Senior Secretary
for job 9987713
South Dakota State Government
Expires: 6/13/25
6/9/25
PROCUREMENT ANALYST- DEPARTMENT OF PURCHASING at City of Newport News
for job 9983078
City of Newport News - Human Resources (All City)
Expires: 6/13/25
Some jobs and industries may require you to go beyond a bachelor’s degree to consider graduate level programs and/or licensure. For some students, they may choose to start a graduate program immediately after undergrad, while others may choose to take a gap year to gain experience before pursuing an advanced degree.
Some common post-undergraduate pathways in Human and Public Service may include:
Office Address: 101B DeVos
Phone: (616) 331-6708
Email: [email protected]
Dayna is a Career Advisor who works with students, faculty, and employers in the public, nonprofit, and social science areas. She also works with exploratory students.
Office Address: 101B DeVos
Phone: (616) 331-6708
Email: [email protected]
Rachel is a Career Advisor and Internship Specialist, helping students and faculty with internship programming and initiatives. She also serves students in psychology, dance, theatre, and music.