Indeed Editorial Team | April 27, 2023 | 5-minute read
Source: Indeed 6 Careers in Policy (With Skills and Tips for Policy Work) | Indeed.com Australia
A career in policy can offer you the chance to work in the private or public sector. Working in policy can provide the opportunity to influence laws and regulations at either a national, state or local level. Understanding the roles available and skills required to work in policy can help you decide if this career path aligns with your professional goals. In this article, we discuss some typical careers in policy, explore the skills needed to work in policy, outline how to get a job in policy and provide some tips for working in policy roles.
6 careers in policy
Careers in policy provide a variety of different role types in areas such as research, administration, planning, education and management. A career in policy could see you working in federal, state or local government. For example, acting as an adviser to political parties, business groups or unions. Policy professionals can also offer strategic advice on government and business relations, work as policy experts in non-profit organisations or as advocates for international organisations, such as the United Nations. Here are some examples of different policy careers, at a range of levels:
1. Public affairs specialist
National average salary: $97,142 per year
Salary figures reflect data listed on Indeed Salaries at time of writing. Salaries may vary depending on the hiring organisation and a candidate’s experience, academic background and location.
Primary duties: A public affair specialist forms and maintains their client’s public image. They work with the media, producing press releases, creating media kits, scheduling interviews and answering questions from the media. Public affairs specialists can also generate awareness or enhance their clients’ reputations.
2. Market researcher
National average salary: $101,918 per year
Primary duties: A market researcher uses a range of tools, such as surveys, polls and industry analysis, to forecast future trends. Businesses can use market research reports to set prices for products or services. Research can also identify new business opportunities, like expanding into different regions. Market researchers can also undertake research measuring an organisation’s reputation to help executives develop strategies to improve or change how the public perceives it. This can be important for political parties.
3. Legislative assistant
National average salary: $103,059 per year
Primary duties: A legislative assistant assists their assigned elected official. They provide a range of administrative tasks. Assignments typically involve diary management, research, writing various forms of communication, taking notes during meetings and other administrative tasks.
4. Policy analyst
National average salary: $87,840 per year
Primary duties: Policy analysts develop and analyse a range of policies and help to guide the design and implementation of policies. This role can work in government departments or businesses to identify problems and create solutions. They can also analyse the impact of introducing policies to address specific issues.
5. Policy manager
National average salary: $118,871 per year
Primary duties: Policy managers typically work for government departments or large companies and help guide the creation of new strategic plans and policies. Policy managers are also responsible for leading teams whose roles involve working out the details of new policies.
6. Regulatory affairs manager
National average salary: $131,762 per year
Primary duties: A regulatory affairs manager develops and manages regulatory processes. They complete and submit relevant documentation that’s required for companies to operate. They are usually responsible for managing budgets and working with government officials regarding laws and regulations applicable to their sector.
Skills required to work in policy roles
Here are some of the typical skills required to work in a policy role:
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Research: Many policy roles involve gathering and analysing data to produce reports for various stakeholders. This research can help to guide new policies or assess existing policies that may require updating.
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Communication: Working in policy requires sound verbal and written communication skills to enable you to communicate with a wide range of people from different industries and backgrounds. Speaking publicly to communicate complex ideas using understandable language is important.
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Strategic thinking: If you work in public policy, you’re likely to be asked to provide strategic advice concerning new or existing policies.
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Attention to detail: Your work in public policy usually requires a keen eye for detail, given you may work on laws and regulations.
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Implementation: Using organisation and project management can help you to deliver the policies you design. These skills can also help you develop practical ideas that are easy to execute.
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Critical thinking: Critical thinking skills refer to analysing different proposals and assessing potential outcomes. Thinking critically is helpful if, for example, you devise new laws and you want to understand their impact.
How to become a policy professional
Typically, policy professionals hold, at a minimum, a bachelor degree. Some policy professionals looking to advance their careers also complete masters or doctorate degrees. If you’re interested in a career in policy, here are some steps you can take to get you started:
1. Get an education
The first step to a policy career is to complete a bachelor degree. There are various options available through several institutions. Some examples of relevant courses include Bachelor of Public Policy, Bachelor of Policy Studies or Bachelor of Policy, Philosophy and Economics.
2. Get work experience
While you’re studying, consider internship opportunities. An internship can provide you with opportunities to job shadow experienced policy professionals and see what a typical day entails. It can also help you determine what areas to specialise in or the roles that you’re interested in exploring when you graduate.
3. Join a professional association
Joining a professional organisation can provide an opportunity to meet people working in policy. You can ask these professionals questions about policy making or implementation, and discuss possible opportunities. Professional organisations typically provide members with training, education and networking events. For example, the Institute of Public Administration Australia is a not-for-profit national organisation that aims to provide excellence in public service.
4. Consider further study
It’s common for senior professionals working in policy to have completed a masters degree or even a doctorate. These programs provide opportunities to enhance your policy knowledge and skills further, particularly if you want to specialise in specific sectors. For example, a Master in Public Policy provides students with skills to analyse and research public policy and how to communicate persuasively on matters relating to public policy. Typically, people working in policy undertake a doctorate if they’re looking to move into leadership roles. These courses focus on practical policy knowledge and develop research and analytical skills.
Tips for working in public policy
Here are some helpful tips if you’re just starting your career in public policy:
Build your network
Having a solid network can be helpful for several reasons. You can often hear about new job opportunities early via your contacts. If you’re seeking guidance on a work-related issue, you can chat with someone in your network for an external perspective. Connecting with senior professionals can be valuable if you want to find a mentor to help guide you in your career.
Do your research
If you’re starting in a new role, be sure to research the organisation. Also, consider doing some broader research on the sector or industry you’re working in, such as identifying regulations or laws so you’re up to date on the latest developments. Researching the key people in your team is also essential. It can make an excellent first impression when meeting senior leaders.
Pay attention to details
Good attention to detail can help you refine policies before they’re implemented. For example, develop a quality checklist for projects as a guide to help keep you focused. Also, chat with senior leaders to see if they can recommend any tips or offer guidance to help improve your attention to detail.
Think about what kind of work you want to do
There are many opportunities to work in policy, so it’s important to consider what type of organisation you want to join. The culture at a not-for-profit organisation is likely to differ from the culture of a government department. You may be passionate about a specific sector or issue, such as climate change, and explore work in this area. You may want to specialise in a specific field or look for a role that offers you the chance to generalise so that you get experience in a range of areas.
Ask for help
You may be eager to prove yourself in a new role, particularly if you’re a recent graduate. Seeking clarification can show that you’re committed to improving. You can develop ideas for solutions before seeking guidance to show you’re thinking ahead. Asking for and offering help can also allow you to connect with others in the business or field.
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