Steps On How To Become Policy Analyst

A policy analyst studies current and new policies and uses research findings to provide solutions to social problems. While they work in politics and administration, they must also evaluate the moral implications of laws and the impact of public policy on real people. If you excel in data collection, critical thinking, and communication, a career as a policy analyst could be ideal for you.

What is a policy analyst?

A policy analyst is a specialist who develops ideas for policies and policy changes to address social issues. Those in this position do extensive scientific study to evaluate present policies and predict the effects of new ones. They report their results, offer advise, and make recommendations to government officials, lawmakers, and legislators, who are capable of enacting bills and making laws. Policy analysts also research political trends, factions, and tensions to develop solutions that benefit several groups. These experts play a crucial role in government, informing decisions concerning public programs and services.

Policy analysts may work for the following types of organizations:

• Government agencies
• Lobbying agencies
• Businesses
• Consulting firms
• Special interest groups
• Nonprofits
• Think tanks

Many policy analysts specialize in certain topics, such as:

• Defense
• Labor
• Finance
• Energy
• Environment
• Health services
• Transportation
• Education
• Urban planning
• Science
• Criminal law
• Economy

What does a policy analyst do?

A policy analyst influences regulations on the local, state and national level. Here are some of their daily responsibilities:

• Investigate legislation and policies to determine their effects on societal functions
• Conduct research and collaborate with others to understand various perspectives on debates
• Gather and analyze data and statistics from various sources, like surveys and focus groups
• Write reports of research findings and summaries and reviews of current policies
• Write policy proposals explaining the potential impacts, costs and benefits of the change
• Present reports and proposals to government employees, politicians and public audiences

How to become a policy analyst

With the appropriate educational and professional background, you can be a strong contender for a policy analyst post. Here are the five steps to becoming a policy analyst:

1. Complete education

Typically, employers hiring for a policy analyst position require candidates to have at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Attend a college or university for four years to study a field such as:

• Public policy
• Political science
• Public administration
• Education
• Statistics
• International relations
• Legal studies
• Sociology
• Economics
• Philosophy

While a bachelor’s degree is usually sufficient for entry-level roles, many employers prefer a master’s degree for mid- to senior-level policy analyst positions. You may be able to obtain this through the sponsorship of your workplace, particularly if you work for a government department. Furthering your education can help you broaden your knowledge base, enhance your skill set, and gain specialized experience in a field. It can also help you impress prospective employers, negotiate a higher wage, and get promoted. Consider going graduate school to earn one of the following designations:

• Master of Public Administration: If you decide to pursue this degree, you may take courses on topics like microeconomics, statistics, public management and budgeting, program evaluation, policy analysis, ethics and managerial accounting.
• Master of Public Policy: Earning a master’s degree in public policy means you can learn about areas like business and government regulation, urban planning, democracy and governance, economic growth, education and labor.
• Master of International Affairs: Pursuing this degree can give you interesting expertise on subjects like international law, trade politics, foreign societies and cultures and international economics.

2. Gain work and extracurricular experience

Having appropriate work experience on your CV may be required to land a policy analyst position. While in high school or college, consider enrolling in a program that teaches public policy skills. An internship with a government or lawmaker’s office could help you gain a better grasp of legislation and governance activity. It could also be a volunteer initiative for a political organization. In this situation, you may obtain experience by researching public concerns and lobbying government authorities. You may also consider joining useful groups at school, such as:

• Debate team
• Mock government
• Business organizations
• School newspaper

3. Build your professional network

Building a professional network can help you obtain work in a variety of areas, particularly in government. Develop strong relationships with your coworkers and managers in the sector, whether through volunteer work, internships, jobs, or college classes. Knowing people who share your hobbies allows you to ask for aid and guidance if needed. You can also ask them if they know of any job openings for you. Maintaining ties with supervisors is especially crucial because they may be able to provide references for you when you seek for a position.

Joining professional groups and societies might help you increase your professional network. These are groups that link people in a profession, provide growth opportunities, and set industry standards. These groups are frequently found and accessed through a college or institution, but they can also be discovered by researching online or browsing social media. Joining a professional association may provide you with the opportunity to take courses, attend conferences, and participate in webinars on significant industry subjects. Here are some suggestions for groups to join:

• The American Society for Public Administration
• The Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management
• The American Political Science Association

4. Earn certifications

Earning certifications in any industry can give numerous advantages, including enhancing your skill set, expanding your work choices, and increasing your earning potential. Certifications demonstrate that you have taken and passed approved, standardized training in your business, and they give you critical competence in specific areas. These qualifications are also useful if you wish to work in management or as a supervisor. Consider checking out the following credentials:

• Policy Analysis Certificate Program: Offered by Northwestern University, this designation is open to candidates who already possess a graduate degree from an accredited institution. The program teaches students how to analyze public policy, support decision-making and use economic, statistical and other quantitative analytic tools to model and navigate policy systems.
• Certificate in Policy Strategy: Offered by the Brookings Institution, this designation is open to experienced professionals from governmental departments, companies and nonprofits. The related courses teach students policy and entrepreneurship expertise, strategies for policy deliberation, analytical and political skills and knowledge of government institutions.
• Public Policy Analysis (graduate certificate): Offered by the Department of Public Administration and Policy, School of Public Affairs at American University, this designation is open to students with a bachelor’s degree and good test scores on the GRE and upon submission of an essay. The program teaches students topics like program evaluation and benefit-cost analysis.

5. Apply for a job as a policy analyst

Once you believe you have an exceptional professional record, you can confidently apply for a position as a policy analyst. Even if you haven’t yet earned your master’s degree, your bachelor’s degree may be sufficient for many entry-level analyst positions. Search online for employment in this field and thoroughly read the job description to verify you meet the requirements. These may include educational background, years of experience, and talents.

You can also make a list of each responsibility of the position and skill the employer is seeking. After each list item, write two sentences about how you fulfill that specification. Make sure your examples are clear, concise and measurable. This process can help you prepare your resume and cover letter, and it can also help you plan for an interview. Make sure your resume highlights your most relevant experiences and has a readable format. You can also write a custom letter, tailored to each position you apply for, to explain why you’re interested in that specific role.

Policy analyst work environment

While the majority of policy analysts work for the government, they also represent lobbying groups, businesses, and other organizations in their advocacy for policy change. They spend some time at a desk, doing online research on a public problem. However, they travel extensively for their research, conducting focus groups and interviews. They also go to conferences and seminars, often to advocate for certain laws and legislation. While they normally work full-time, regular hours, they may be required to work overtime in certain situations due to an urgent matter or debt.

Policy analyst average salary

According to Indeed Salaries, the national average compensation for a policy analyst is $82,397 per year. However, their pay may differ depending on their geographic area, company, years of experience, certificates, and other things. In general, policy analysts who complete further schooling and obtain unique certifications can negotiate a higher compensation. They may also seek managerial or senior jobs, which normally pay more.

Policy analyst skills

Policy analysts operate in a dynamic, fast-paced atmosphere where their actions can have a significant impact on individuals, social issues, and the society around them. Here are some abilities that can help them succeed in this crucial position:

• Research: Government officials, politicians and other professionals rely on policy analysts to conduct deep, scientific research on important topics. This research consists of gathering and analyzing data through methods like case studies, surveys, focus groups, cost-benefit analysis and outcome studies.
• Analytical thinking: Analytical thinking skills are the ability to observe a situation carefully, take a large amount of data into account and derive a logical interpretation from it. Policy analysts can benefit from this quality because their job is to evaluate information and draw conclusions from it to make recommendations to policymakers.
• Critical thinking: It’s important that policy analysts can critically think about the information they receive and find, evaluating its reputability and understanding that studies and research methods have flaws and subjective aspects. Those in this role can ask important questions to provoke thought and discussion among stakeholders
• Problem-solving: Policy analysts are essential components of governance, and have as their aim the quick, effective and ethical resolution of widespread public challenges. Those in this position believe in the use of the tools and methods of government to effect positive change in their communities.
• Creativity: Those in this profession can benefit greatly from reviewing historical events and traditions, but they also excel when they invent creative strategies to use in the present and future. Good policy analysts balance their knowledge of previous projects and policies and think of innovative ways to address current difficulties.
• Communication: Policy analysts use both written and verbal communication skills to present their findings, either during in-person meetings and conferences or for magazine, newspaper and report articles. They can do their best work when they convey complex information in a clear, concise and engaging way.
• Collaboration: Those in this field can gain the utmost success when they work together with colleagues to conduct research, evaluate topics and reach policy goals. They are also responsible for fostering collaboration and solidarity across factions, especially in political climates that can be tense and divisive.

Key takeaways:

• Policy analysts devise new policies, make policy changes and share their research with government officials and legislators. They might specialize in a specific type of policy, such as education, defense or energy.
• To become a policy analyst, earn a master’s degree in public policy, public administration or international affairs, gain some work experience, develop your professional network and earn a relevant certification in policy analysis.
• A policy analyst typically works for the government, but they might also work for lobbying groups and advocacy organizations. Communication, critical thinking, analytical thinking and problem-solving skills are among the essential competencies of the job.