Public Policy

If you're drawn to government work but prefer to steer clear of bench or field research, consider a career in public policy. This path provides a distinctive chance to shape national policies in your area of expertise. Whether collaborating directly with lawmakers or developing and advising government programs, numerous opportunities exist for you to act as a technical specialist in sectors such as healthcare, energy, education, and environmental matters.

Entry Points

While it may at first seem daunting to approach the world of politics directly from graduate school, there are actually quite a few internship and postdoctoral programs that allow you to get your foot in the door of public policy.  If you are currently a graduate student, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) offers an internship program in the Office of Policy .  Programs that are looking for recent graduates include the Presidential Management Fellowship and the AAAS Science and Technology Fellowships.  Other places to look for policy positions that may meet your skills include:

  • National Institutes of Health (NIH) 

  • National Science Foundation (NSF) 

  • Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) 

  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 

Application Process

Once you've pinpointed a position or fellowship that captures your attention, the application process is fairly straightforward. Most opportunities are published online, allowing you to submit your resume and cover letter electronically. Although this digital submission method is convenient, remember that automated application review systems can be rigid, frequently requiring candidates to incorporate certain qualifications and keywords in their materials. In short, make certain that your application doesn't get filtered out before it reaches a human reviewer.

Work Hours

In many government positions, extended work hours are often an exception rather than the rule. A standard 40-hour work week is typically expected, but when project deadlines approach, it's common for the workday to stretch beyond the usual 9 to 5 schedule.

Compensation

Internships might not offer compensation, but postdoctoral fellowships in policy adhere to the governmental "General Schedule" or GS pay scales, typically falling between GS-9 and GS-12. While location can influence this, salaries generally range from $50,000 to $90,000 in the Washington, DC region. The specific GS is usually listed alongside the opportunity announcement for any other entry-level policy position that you may come across, and the translation of GS to dollars can be found here.

Exit Options

Should you decide to step away from your role in public policy, consider pursuing other avenues that involve government influence, such as becoming a lobbyist or joining a think tank. If you opt to exit government entirely, the skills you've honed in communication, organization, and persuasion will be highly regarded across various sectors, including marketing, communications, investor relations, and business development.