How to Get Started in Public Policy
Does this sound like you?
"I want to work in public policy, but I don't know where to get started."
If so, read on!
Introduction
At its core, public policy refers to the rules, regulations, and decisions made by governments to address societal challenges and achieve specific goals. It encompasses a wide range of issues, from healthcare and education to environmental protection and economic development.
Public policy plays a pivotal role in shaping societies, as it directly impacts the lives of citizens and the overall well-being of communities. Understanding the importance of public policy in guiding a nation's progress and fostering equitable growth is essential when you’re considering a career in this field.
Public policy professionals, as change agents, hold a significant responsibility in crafting, implementing, and evaluating policies that have far-reaching implications. Their expertise and dedication contribute to shaping a better future for our societies and fostering positive change on both local and global scales.
#1: Understand the Foundations of Public Policy
To build a strong career in public policy, it's crucial to understand its foundations.
Public policy involves a systematic process of identifying problems, formulating solutions, and implementing and evaluating policies to bring about positive change and improve the lives of citizens.
It’s necessary to start by studying the basics of public policy, delving into its principles and functions. Then, expand your knowledge by learning about various policy areas and domains, such as environment, housing, transportation, and public health.
Familiarize yourself with policy analysis techniques, equipping yourself with the necessary tools to assess the impact and effectiveness of policies. Examples include: Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) and SWOT Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats).
Some resources include:
National Conference of State Legislatures (ncsl.org/)
League of Women Voters (lwv.org/; search for your state chapter)
Center for Civic Education (civiced.org/)
Governing (governing.com/)
Governmental offices for your country (e.g. President and the Agencies they oversee, Legislative Branch, Supreme Court)
Governmental offices for your state (e.g. Governor and the Agencies they oversee, Legislature, Secretary of State, State Supreme Court)
Governmental offices for your city/town (e.g. Mayor, City Council, Departments)
#2: Pursue Relevant Education and Training
To excel in the field of public policy, it is useful to have relevant education and training.
Choosing a suitable academic path, such as studying Political Science or Public Administration, lays a strong foundation for understanding the complexities of policy-making and governance. Considering advanced degrees and specializations can provide in-depth knowledge and expertise in specific policy areas.
In addition, participating in policy-related workshops and seminars can help you stay updated on emerging trends, exchange ideas, and gain practical insights from experienced practitioners.
By continuously seeking education and training opportunities, you can enhance your skills and competencies, making significant contributions to the development and implementation of effective public policies.
#3: Gain Practical Experience Through Public Policy Internships
Gaining practical experience through public policy internships is invaluable for aspiring professionals.
Practical exposure allows you to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world scenarios, honing your skills and problem-solving abilities. Seeking internship opportunities in government agencies or non-governmental organizations (NGOs) offers firsthand insights into the policy-making process and the chance to contribute to meaningful projects.
By immersing yourself in these environments, you can increase your understanding of policy implementation and the challenges and opportunities in the field.
Internships provide a chance to make a tangible impact on society while fostering personal and professional growth. There are many paid internships, and also part-time internships, so you can work in a paying job and an internship simultaneously.
One great program to explore is The Washington Center, which provides immersive internships and academic seminars to students from hundreds of colleges and universities and young professionals from across the U.S. and dozens of countries. I had the pleasure of participating in The Washington Center in Washington, D.C. for one summer during college, and later serving as a career mentor for current participants.
#4: Develop Analytical and Research Skills
To serve as a public policy professional, it’s valuable to develop strong analytical and research skills.
Enhancing critical thinking abilities enables you to approach complex policy issues with depth and clarity, facilitating sound decision-making. Mastering policy research methods equips you with the tools to gather relevant data, conduct comprehensive literature reviews, and formulate evidence-based policy recommendations.
Learning data analysis and interpretation will enhance your ability to draw meaningful insights from research findings, supporting the development of effective and impactful policies.
By continuously honing these skills, you will position yourself to navigate the complicated landscape of policymaking, making meaningful contributions to well-being at-large.
LinkedIn provides guidance on how to improve your research skills.
#5: Engage in Thoughtful Policy Dialogues
Engaging in policy conversations is a useful way to foster expertise and make a meaningful impact in public policy.
Joining policy-oriented clubs and organizations provides a platform to exchange ideas, collaborate with people who share your interests, and contribute to policy-related initiatives.
Attending public policy events and forums offers opportunities to learn from experts, gain diverse perspectives, and stay up-to-date with current policy issues.
In addition, policy research and writing projects can help you hone your research and communication skills, which employers are frequently seeking.
#6: Build a Strong Professional Network
Establishing a robust professional network is a vital aspect of thriving in the field of public policy.
Through connecting with public policy experts and practitioners, you can gain valuable insights, guidance, and potential mentorship. Utilizing social media platforms can create networking opportunities, enabling you to engage with like-minded individuals, join policy discussions, and stay updated on industry trends. Attending policy conferences and networking events provides access to influential figures and opportunities to build meaningful connections within the public policy community.
Look into the American Political Science Association and American Society for Public Administration (apsanet.org).
#7: Policy Fellowships
Policy fellowships offer a valuable avenue for career advancement in public policy, providing opportunities for hands-on experience, exposure to real-world policy challenges, and mentorship from experienced professionals.
Researching and applying for reputable fellowship programs is crucial to securing a valuable experience. Leveraging these fellowships enables you to deepen your expertise in specific policy areas and expand your professional network, connecting with influential figures and peers who share your interests.
By actively considering policy fellowships, you can fast-track your career development by gaining valuable skills, knowledge, and connections that will propel you in your public policy career.
#8: Stay Informed about Current Affairs and Policy Trends
Staying informed about current affairs and policy trends is important when you want to land a career in public policy.
Regularly following policy news and updates helps you stay up-to-date with evolving challenges, developments, and opportunities. Analyzing policy initiatives and reforms provides insights into their potential implications and effectiveness, fostering a deeper understanding of the policy landscape.
A few potential sources include:
New York Times
Washington Post
Wall Street Journal
Boston Globe
NPR
Governing
National Conference of State Legislatures
Remaining open to diverse perspectives and ideas allows you to consider a range of viewpoints and approaches, enriching your problem-solving abilities and fostering innovative policy solutions.
#9 Apply for Policy Positions
There are certain key steps to take when it comes to applying for policy positions.
Tailoring your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences is essential to stand out as a strong candidate.
Preparing for policy job interviews by researching the organization and practicing responses to common policy-related questions will boost your confidence and interview performance. Embrace opportunities for growth and keep refining your skills while navigating the competitive job market.
Be sure to cultivate a blend of determination and adaptability.
Here are some resources to help you find public policy roles:
Government Jobs
Massterlist (or a similar website for the area where you’re seeking a job)
National Conference of State Legislatures Jobs Clearinghouse
USA Jobs
#10 Embrace Lifelong Learning and Growth
Embracing lifelong learning and growth is vital for a successful and impactful career in public policy.
Continuously updating your policy knowledge enables you to stay informed about the latest developments, trends, and challenges in the field. Seeking mentors and guidance from experienced policy professionals provides valuable insights, support, and opportunities for personal and professional development.
Being adaptable to the changing policy landscape allows you to respond effectively to evolving societal needs and emerging policy priorities.
By committing to lifelong learning, seeking guidance, and remaining adaptable, you can continually enhance your expertise, contribute meaningfully to the advancement of public policy.
Jobs in Public Policy
Here is a list of different types of public policy jobs:
Policy Analyst
Legislative Assistant
Government Affairs Specialist
Policy Advisor
Program Manager (Public Policy)
Environmental Planner
Education Program Coordinator
Public Health Specialist
Social Services Coordinator
Grant Writer (Public Policy)
Public Relations Specialist (Government)
Public Outreach Coordinator
Community Organizer (Public Policy)
Public Policy Researcher
Budget Analyst (Government)
Urban Development Specialist
Economic Development Coordinator
Public Affairs Manager
Public Policy Consultant
International Relations Specialist
This list encompasses a range of public policy-related roles, including program management, communications, community engagement, and international relations, in addition to traditional policy analysis positions. The public policy field offers a diverse array of opportunities for you to contribute to shaping policies and making a positive impact on societies and communities.
My Public Policy Career Journey
I got involved in politics at a young age, thanks to my family’s involvement in local political campaigns.
So, it was natural for me to serve on the board of University Democrats while I was an undergraduate student at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Through my involvement with the University Democrats, I organized groups of students to travel to New Hampshire to conduct Primary Election voter outreach on behalf of the Al Gore Presidential Campaign. I also served as the coordinator on my campus for both the John Kerry State Senate Re-Election Campaign and the Massachusetts Democratic Coordinated Campaign.
Although I was a psychology major and did not take many classes pertaining to political science, I gained extensive hands-on experience with political organizing and outreach. This included a summer with The Washington Center in Washington, D.C., where among other experiences, I volunteered part-time for the Office of Congressman Jim McGovern of Massachusetts. Read on to learn more about The Washington Center.
After graduating, I was having a hard time landing a public service job, so I took a customer service job at a woman-owned company in Boston. However, when the John Kerry Presidential Campaign was staffing up its team for the Primary Elections, I reached out to my contacts, including an alum of my university who was a senior staffer with the campaign, and conveyed my interest in working as a Field Organizer. After some persistence and patience, I was able to secure a job with the campaign, and I worked in three winning Primary Elections - New Hampshire, Missouri, and Tennessee.
From there, through pre-existing relationships with mentors, I was able to secure state government jobs in my home state of Massachusetts. I first worked as a legislative aide, and then decided I wanted to pursue a Masters in Public Administration. I went to school at night and served as the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators during the day. Several years later, I built on my state government experience when I worked as an environmental protection lobbyist for a leading statewide advocacy organization, the Environmental League of Massachusetts.
I’ve served as a resource for hundreds of people who have sought a career in public service, and I am pleased to share these best practices to help you advance your goal of a public policy career.
Conclusion
Steps to Get Started in Public Policy
Understand the Foundations of Public Policy by studying its basics, exploring different policy areas, and familiarizing yourself with policy analysis techniques.
Pursue Relevant Education and Training, choosing a suitable academic path, considering advanced degrees and specializations, and participating in policy-related workshops and seminars.
Gain Practical Experience through Public Policy Internships, seeking opportunities in government agencies or NGOs, and applying theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.
Develop Analytical and Research Skills by enhancing critical thinking abilities, mastering policy research methods, and practicing data analysis and interpretation.
Engage in Policy Discussions by joining policy-oriented clubs and organizations, attending public policy events and forums, and participating in policy research and writing projects.
Build a Strong Professional Network by connecting with public policy experts and practitioners, utilizing social media for networking, and attending policy conferences and events.
Consider Policy Fellowships to gain hands-on experience, exposure to real-world policy challenges, and mentorship from experienced professionals.
Stay Informed about Current Affairs and Policy Trends by following policy news and updates, analyzing policy initiatives, and remaining open to diverse perspectives and ideas.
Apply for Policy Positions by tailoring your resume and cover letter, preparing for policy job interviews, and being persistent and adaptable in your job search.
Embrace Lifelong Learning and Growth by continuously updating your policy knowledge, seeking mentors and guidance, and being adaptable to changing policy landscapes.
Pursuing a Fulfilling and Impactful Career in Policy
Public policy has long fascinated me because of its role impacting the lives of citizens and the overall well-being of communities. My interest in public policy prompted me to get involved in political campaigns, work in state government, serve as a community activist, pursue a Masters in Public Administration, work as an environmental protection lobbyist, and serve as a coach to hundreds of service-oriented professionals.
As change agents, public policy professionals hold a significant responsibility in crafting, implementing, and evaluating policies that have far-reaching implications. Pursuing a career in public policy provides an opportunity to make a positive difference, contributing to the betterment of society and fostering positive change on local and global scales.
By dedicating yourself to a career in public policy, you have the potential to make a lasting impact, creating a better future for communities and societies and making a difference in people's lives.
If you’d like support to launch or advance your public policy career, reach out.
Additional Resources to Lead a Fulfilling Career
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