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Public Policy Think Tank Analyst

What You Do

Public policy think tanks suggest initiatives and provide research data to policy makers. The written materials produced by think tanks influence the public policy debate by informing and influencing national legislators. This in turn can help determine the direction in which our nation is headed.

Analysts typically specialize in a certain policy area, such as economics, defense, foreign affairs, or budget, and their main task is to produce papers covering that specialization. The job combines the skills of an academic researcher with those of a political consultant. They identify trends on the horizon and use the fact-based research to sway the debate in the direction that their think tank would like to see it swayed. They present their findings in speeches before interested organizations, in media appearances, and in editorial columns in newspapers. They are often tapped as sources by journalists.

Characteristics

Besides having a strong interest in public policy, public policy analysts should have an academic orientation, since this is applied academic work. Self-starters and independent thinkers do well in these positions. It is a job for someone who thinks pro-actively but can respond reactively when the situation requires it.

Training

Academic qualifications for these positions are high. Many candidates have a doctoral degree. It is possible to get your foot in the door with a bachelor's degree, but you will have to start at the bottom of the ladder. Top-notch writing skills are a prerequisite.

Information Source:

Jebens, Harley. 100 jobs in social chang. New York: Macmillan, pp. 32-33.

Related web sites:

National Institute for Research Advancement

Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management