Build a Better Country, Without the Politics: Join the Government

Vera Mucaj
6 min readNov 7, 2024

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Ideas for Young Professionals in Non-Partisan Government Roles

In the 24 hours since the election, I’ve fielded many messages, calls, and coffee chats with friends, loved ones, and colleagues feeling uncertain about the future. Most of these conversations were with young people concerned about the divisions in our country growing deeper. I’ve heard from those who are anxious, those who are hopeful, and those simply wondering what comes next. As we collectively confront these deep divides, many are at a crossroads: Do they step back or step in?

For some, that means doom-scrolling; for others, it’s tuning out politics entirely. My answer when there’s big change? Look for the “crazy idea” — the boldest action you can take that feels authentic to you. To any young person asking what’s next: use your talents, ideas, and voices to help shape the future. But do so with a mindset that bridges divides rather than widens them. The “craziest” idea for anyone ambitious yet discouraged today might be this: join the government (but in a non-partisan role).

When I gave this advice yesterday, I was met with skepticism. “This isn’t the time to get into politics,” I heard. My response? Not every impactful role in government is political. There’s an abundance of high-profile, non-partisan programs that allow you to contribute meaningfully to public service, no matter your views. By joining these programs, you gain invaluable experience working on projects that matter and work alongside people with diverse perspectives. This is exactly what our country needs: talented, passionate individuals, committed to a common good that transcends party lines.

Aided by Google and ChatGPT, I’ve outlined some of the most prestigious non-partisan or bipartisan programs for young professionals who want to make a difference. This list is by no means comprehensive, and program offerings may change based on future funding or policy shifts. But let this be your starting point — and maybe a spark for new ideas!

1. White House Fellows Program

Ok, we’re starting with the super ambitious one. Established in 1964, the White House Fellows Program offers exceptional Americans the opportunity to work directly with top federal officials, giving them an inside look at the workings of the federal government. Fellows spend a year as full-time, paid assistants to senior White House staff, Cabinet Secretaries, and other top-ranking officials, gaining firsthand leadership experience in a strictly non-partisan environment. The program is designed to inspire and prepare future leaders for all sectors, with an emphasis on public service. This is also TIME SENSITIVE: The Class of 2025–2026 applications are now open, and the application window closes on January 3, 2025.

2. Presidential Innovation Fellows (PIF) Program

This program invites top technologists, designers, and strategists to collaborate with senior government leaders on transformative projects. By helping modernize and streamline public services, PIFs address high-impact challenges and bring cutting-edge, technology-driven solutions to government. It’s a non-partisan fellowship where participants gain experience working on innovative projects that improve how government interacts with citizens and businesses. The applications for 2025 are now closed, but you can sign up for updates and get ready for next September’s application cycle.

3. American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Science & Technology Policy Fellowships

For scientists and engineers interested in applying their expertise to public policy, AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowships offer an opportunity to work across the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government. Fellows contribute to science and technology policy issues and develop an understanding of the policy-making process. The program is highly regarded for its commitment to objective, evidence-based decision-making and bipartisan impact. The application process begins in June 2025

4. Fulbright Programs

The Fulbright Program, a prestigious initiative by the U.S. Department of State, offers a range of opportunities for Americans to engage in educational and cultural exchanges across the globe. This one takes you physically away from our government, but gives you the opportunity to serve on global reach. From research and teaching to specialized fellowships like the Public Policy Fellowship, Fulbright allows young professionals to work in diverse fields, such as public health, education, and economics, often embedded directly in government ministries or research institutions abroad. Through these experiences, participants build international partnerships, enhance cross-cultural understanding, and contribute to global policy solutions — all within a non-partisan framework. Application timelines vary, there are a lot of options here depending on the applicant’s background, citizenship status, and career stage.

5. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Fellowship Programs

For my fellow recent PhD graduates! DARPA offers opportunities for fellows to work on groundbreaking science and technology projects in support of national security. Fellows are involved in research that addresses complex national challenges and have the chance to drive innovation in public service. Applications are open for July 2025, January 2026, July 2026 cohorts.

6. Congressional Budget Office Visiting Scholars Program

In the current climate, working at the CBO might feel like a political role. I’m told it isn’t. There are probably a couple of options here for those with more of an economics and finance bend, but the one I’m familiar with is the Visiting Scholars program. This is an offering for experienced researchers, economists, and policy experts who want to engage in non-partisan, objective analysis of fiscal and economic policies. Scholars in this program work closely with CBO staff on projects that inform Congress about budgetary issues, providing rigorous, evidence-based insights into topics such as healthcare, tax policy, and economic forecasting. This program allows scholars to contribute directly to the policymaking process while maintaining a strict non-partisan focus, making it an ideal opportunity for those passionate about fiscal responsibility and public service. Applications seem to be ongoing.

7. Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) Program Manager Positions

The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) is a relatively “new kid on the block” — focused on accelerating innovative health solutions through high-risk, high-reward research. Modeled after DARPA, ARPA-H aims to support groundbreaking advances in healthcare and biomedicine, tackling some of the most pressing and complex health challenges. ARPA-H is recruiting for Program Managers to lead those high-impact, high-risk research initiatives. Program Managers are at the heart of ARPA-H’s mission, conceptualizing and overseeing projects that can drive transformational change in areas such as disease prevention, health technology, and treatment innovation. Applications seem to be ongoing.

8. HHS Emerging Leaders Program (ELP)

The Department of Health and Human Services has historically offered this selective, two-year leadership development program to early-career professionals interested in healthcare policy, public health, and administration. Participants rotate through various HHS departments — such as the CDC, FDA, and NIH — gaining valuable experience and insight into health policy and administration. The program provides a non-partisan environment focused on improving public health and healthcare access. Note: it looks like this program is not accepting applications at the moment, and I’m not sure when they will again, but good to keep on one’s radar.

I’ll leave you with President Johnson’s quote that inspired the White House Fellows Program: “a genuinely free society cannot be a spectator society”. These programs provide platforms for you to lead, innovate, and make a difference in government, with a focus on evidence-based solutions and the public good rather than political agendas. By stepping into these roles, you could be joining a network of talented individuals who believe in building a better, healthier, and more united nation.

If you’re feeling called to action, take this list as a jumping-off point. Research these roles, connect with alumni, and seek out opportunities that inspire you. And, if you’ve made it to the bottom of this blog: if I’ve worked with you in any capacity and you’re looking for a recommendation for any of these opportunities or for application brainstorming, drop me a message. I’d be delighted to support you in any way I can.

I couldn’t think of a cleverer meme.

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Vera Mucaj
Vera Mucaj

Written by Vera Mucaj

Passionate about R&D and healthcare data. For more science-focused ideas, please visit my blog "Thought Experiments" at https://veramucaj.substack.com

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