Many graduates who hold a public policy degree pursue a career as a public policy analyst. Public policy analysts may hold a variety of titles, such as research fellow, scholar or research associate. They typically work for either governmental agencies or independent institutions, commonly referred to as “think tanks,” which tend to specialize in certain areas such as human rights or environmental protections.
The responsibility of a public policy analyst is ultimately to influence social and political decisions, policies and programs. Public policy is a very broad field with numerous options for specialization. Some analysts, for instance, focus on environmental policies, while others focus on issues like homelessness, substance abuse or access to healthcare.
There are four general areas of responsibility:
- Gathering accurate information
- Assessing existing policies and their impacts
- Evaluating proposed policies and considering all potential outcomes and unintended consequences
- Disseminating findings to government entities and the public at large
Public policy analysts who primarily focus on gathering accurate information are adept at working with large quantities of statistical raw data. Such data can reveal whether a policy is effective or not and whether it has any unintended consequences. For example, a policy analyst might collect data about how many people apply for solar tax credits and what their income levels are in order to reveal whether these credits are effective at broadening access to renewable energy sources in low-income households.
Analysts who primarily evaluate existing policies start by identifying the specific goals of the policy. They then analyze raw data to determine whether the policy achieved its goals. If not, they consider what adjustments might be needed.
Public policy analysts who focus primarily on analyzing the potential effects of proposed policies can use a variety of tools, including cost-benefit analyses. They consider whether a policy might have unintended consequences, and they make recommendations accordingly. For example, a proposed policy to tax sugar-sweetened beverages for the purpose of fighting obesity might have the unintended consequence of increasing alcohol consumption.
Lastly, public policy analysts share their findings, ideas and proposed recommendations with the public and governmental entities. They may write white papers, briefs, issue guides and fact sheets for dissemination to policymakers, or they might write editorials for publication in newspapers. Some analysts are also called upon to speak to Congress, counsel government officials, speak at conferences or appear on television broadcasts.
After working as a public policy analyst for a period of time, a professional may advance to the role of public policy director at a think tank or agency. There are also related careers in public policy for graduates with a degree in the field, including the following:
- Legislative aide
- Market research analyst
- Public administrator
- Campaign worker
- Regulatory affairs specialist