The Covid-19 pandemic changed the world as we know it. Suddenly, everyone had to find a new role — and many had to write policies that guided their new jobs. But what is a policy writer? And how can you become one? Here’s what you need to know.
The Difference Between A Policy Analyst, Consultant, And Writer
A policy analyst focuses on the practical aspects of implementing policies, analyzing data, and making recommendations. A policy consultant provides expert advice and analysis to business leaders and government agencies on policy matters. A policy writer takes a more comprehensive view, providing the framework within which the policies of an organization or government can be implemented. All three are important, but knowing the difference between them can help you choose the right path for your career.
The Elements Of A Policy
Written policies exist in all sectors of the economy, from small businesses to major companies, and in all organizations, from start-ups to global conglomerates. A policy is a set of rules or instructions designed to achieve a certain outcome.
In the case of a business, the goal might be to increase sales. In the case of a government agency, the goal might be to reduce violent crime or regulate the industry of gambling. No matter what the goal, policy makers and administrators need to understand the underlying mechanisms that will enable them to achieve it — including human resources, marketing, sales, procurement, legal, and compliance issues.
A policy is not a piece of legislation or a court order. Rather, it is a roadmap that helps an organization chart its course.
The Policy Process
When a new policy is developed, it usually begins with an idea — someone has an insight or an experience that they think can improve the situation for the people they serve (or the people they work for). This person might propose a change to the way things are done, an addition or subtraction from existing policies, or a revision of existing policies to align them with current practices.
The idea — a seed that begins the process — is then taken to the policy analyst, who will consider the issue from multiple perspectives and determine the feasibility of the idea. If the idea is feasible, the next step is to take it to the consultant to help flesh out the details. The consultant might propose additional ideas, or they might simply offer advice on how to implement the plan.
After the consultant submits their proposal, the next step is for the policy maker — whether it’s a one-person office, a small team, or a whole agency — to review the plan, identify key issues, and make any necessary adjustments. Then the plan is approved, and new policies are in place.
Where Do I Go For Career Info?
If you’re looking for general information on getting into a policy job, check out the sources below.
Publications
The best place to start is with one of the most reputable publications in the field. In the US, the publication that you’ll find most frequently cited in academic circles is the American Journal of Political Science. In Canada, the leading journal for policy studies is the Annual Review of Political Science. Make sure you learn to navigate their websites well and become familiar with the key publications in your chosen field.
Academic Degrees
If you want to get into a policy-related job, you will need to gain relevant academic degrees. In the US, you can get a Bachelors in Public Administration (BPA) with a focus in policy making. If you’re looking for a more specific policy degree, the Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (ABPS) is the next best thing. For a career in international development, a Bachelors in Development Studies (BDes) might also be worth considering. In Canada, study a closely related field such as public policy, economics, or business administration and gain relevant experience by working in a think tank or government agency.
On-the-Job Training
Most policy jobs — even in well-known organizations like the RAND Corp., World Bank, or Harvard — don’t come with a standard curriculum. Instead, you might be expected to complete an on-the-job training program, gaining experience through mentorship, journal clubs, and other activities. Depending on the type of job you eventually want, you might also be required to gain specific skills like research, analysis, or writing.
Mentors And Sponsors
When you’re just getting started and don’t have much experience, mentors are people who can help you navigate the policy world. They might be employees of large organizations who have experience in a related field or they might be academics or researchers who can provide guidance and introductions to the right people.
Mentors can be invaluable in helping you identify key issues, determining which sectors to focus on, defining your career goals, and promoting your candidacy for jobs. They can also be an important source of support and encouragement as you begin your career.
Mentors aren’t always found in obvious places, so be sure to look for them both within and outside your organization. In an academic context, a good place to find a mentor is within the discipline of political science. There, you will find individuals who work in government, academia, or non-profit organizations and who have experience developing policy, analyzing policy trends, and / or writing for an audience that includes non-specialists.
Online Learning Platforms
Traditional universities are moving towards online learning platforms to preserve graduates’ job opportunities and to reduce classroom sizes and administrative overheads. Now, just as with traditional universities, relevant degrees from reputable institutions can be found online. Just remember to do your research and be sure to explore a number of different providers before making a decision.
Think Tanks And Other Consulting Firms
Policy research and analysis firms offer a different route to getting into a policy job. These are usually large multidisciplinary firms that provide expertise in various fields (such as health, economics, or environmental policy) and that offer policy analysis and writing as part of their services. Examples of consulting firms that provide this service include the renowned McKinsey & Co., the Boston Consulting Group, and the International Finance Corporation (IFC).
Working for a think tank or consulting firm might not be the most direct route to a policy job, but it can be a stepping stone that will put you in the right place. Think tanks and consulting firms often provide opportunities for students to gain relevant experience by working on short-term projects. Some of these projects might even lead to a job offer. Just remember: you’ll need to have the right contacts to get these opportunities.
Media Influencers
Finally, don’t forget about the influence that the media can have in your career. Influencers — whether journalists, bloggers, or celebrities — can help to expose your work and gain you some much-needed attention in an increasingly crowded media landscape. For example, the British Government used the platform of social media influencers to great effect during the height of the pandemic, using content creators, journalists, and bloggers to give people a voice during the pandemic.
If you can find an influencer in your chosen field, be sure to connect with them and see if they can help to promote your candidacy for a policy job.
As you begin your search for a policy job, make sure to identify the leading publications in your chosen field. With the right research and academic degrees, a think tank or consulting firm route, and the right networking, you might just land yourself a job that you’ll be passionate about.