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I have Masters in Public policy but I am not getting public policy jobs. I am doing development professional jobs. How to land in public policy jobs?
I need to know how to network with people working in Policy NGOs
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5 answers
Updated
Rosa’s Answer
Hello - It's great to hear about your Master's degree in Public Policy. Navigating the job market can be challenging, but a strategic approach can make all the difference.
Job Search Strategy
When you're ready to start your job search, focus on building a strong understanding of the public policy landscape. You can do this by using online platforms like Indeed and LinkedIn. Use their filters to narrow your search by job title or region. This will give you a clear picture of the types of roles available and the specific skills and qualifications employers are looking for.
Once you've identified key trends, you can tailor your resume to highlight your expertise and show how it directly aligns with job descriptions. This targeted approach will make your applications more impactful.
Networking
Networking is a powerful tool. LinkedIn is an excellent resource for connecting with professionals in the public policy field. Additionally, look for public policy-focused online forums and local networking events. These are great opportunities to meet with potential employers and other job seekers, which can provide valuable insights into the job market and open doors to new opportunities.
Hope this helps! Good luck
Job Search Strategy
When you're ready to start your job search, focus on building a strong understanding of the public policy landscape. You can do this by using online platforms like Indeed and LinkedIn. Use their filters to narrow your search by job title or region. This will give you a clear picture of the types of roles available and the specific skills and qualifications employers are looking for.
Once you've identified key trends, you can tailor your resume to highlight your expertise and show how it directly aligns with job descriptions. This targeted approach will make your applications more impactful.
Networking
Networking is a powerful tool. LinkedIn is an excellent resource for connecting with professionals in the public policy field. Additionally, look for public policy-focused online forums and local networking events. These are great opportunities to meet with potential employers and other job seekers, which can provide valuable insights into the job market and open doors to new opportunities.
Hope this helps! Good luck
Updated
Rosa’s Answer
Hello there! Let me start by congratulating for putting efforts to study up to masters. Secondly, I would like to note that I am in Kenya and we are quite open minded when it comes to getting jobs. We apply for jobs online without knowing anyone and are given a fair chance. In most cases, I advise that you watch for jobs being advertised on socialApp groups and official job forum such as websites of known organizations that work with Public policy. Apply for jobs that mention your qualifications and skills. If you hear of career fair attend when possible. Good wishes as you chase your dreams.
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello,
No one online can actually tell you why you're not obtaining work in public policy or how to get work making policies for non-profit organizations. You will have to return to the University from which you received your Masters Degree in Public Policy and discuss it with your former professors or the professor that oversaw your Thesis and Dissertation.
At their Public Policy Department at your former college, there should also be opportunities for networking and you could possibly be updated on upcoming conferences, trainings, presentations that you can attend to network as an alumnus. Staying in touch with your college departments can prove to be very important.
If it's anything like in the U.S., for non-profits, you would have to obtain a position at the non-profit service to make policy for their programs. You would need to be working in the capacity of Program Director or Quality Control or Compliance officer. Policy is not a stand alone job, it's connected to a service, program or can be involved in politics, too. Most of the time, policies are created by a collaborative team, in other words, Public Policy is not a position, rather a job duty within a position. By a Masters level study, your college should have been clear as to how to begin a career using your public policy skills, so I would suggest returning to them for information.
In India, there are more than 4,500 public policy companies including think tanks, government agencies, research institutes, and consulting firms. You could probably only get policy making work in an issue or subject that you are an expert in, so think about what realm you want to pursue. You can then do internships, fellowships, and volunteering opportunities, which are crucial for understanding the policy-making process, building a professional network, and developing relevant skills. It just may be that you need more experience. If you are doing "development" (is it Program Development ?) see if you can be on a team that works on policy for that program. It may be that you need a professional to write your resume so it's worded a certain way.
To get additional networking, join The Public Affairs Forum of India and The Policy Square. You will have lots of opportunity to network and opportunities for additional education in this field.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
No one online can actually tell you why you're not obtaining work in public policy or how to get work making policies for non-profit organizations. You will have to return to the University from which you received your Masters Degree in Public Policy and discuss it with your former professors or the professor that oversaw your Thesis and Dissertation.
At their Public Policy Department at your former college, there should also be opportunities for networking and you could possibly be updated on upcoming conferences, trainings, presentations that you can attend to network as an alumnus. Staying in touch with your college departments can prove to be very important.
If it's anything like in the U.S., for non-profits, you would have to obtain a position at the non-profit service to make policy for their programs. You would need to be working in the capacity of Program Director or Quality Control or Compliance officer. Policy is not a stand alone job, it's connected to a service, program or can be involved in politics, too. Most of the time, policies are created by a collaborative team, in other words, Public Policy is not a position, rather a job duty within a position. By a Masters level study, your college should have been clear as to how to begin a career using your public policy skills, so I would suggest returning to them for information.
In India, there are more than 4,500 public policy companies including think tanks, government agencies, research institutes, and consulting firms. You could probably only get policy making work in an issue or subject that you are an expert in, so think about what realm you want to pursue. You can then do internships, fellowships, and volunteering opportunities, which are crucial for understanding the policy-making process, building a professional network, and developing relevant skills. It just may be that you need more experience. If you are doing "development" (is it Program Development ?) see if you can be on a team that works on policy for that program. It may be that you need a professional to write your resume so it's worded a certain way.
To get additional networking, join The Public Affairs Forum of India and The Policy Square. You will have lots of opportunity to network and opportunities for additional education in this field.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1186
Answers
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi,
You're on the right track because public policy graduates often begin their careers in related professions like development work, where they are already developing skill sets that employers value. Now is the time to connect with people who can open doors and share your experience with the policy world.
- Highlight transferable skills.
Data analysis, program assessment, stakeholder engagement, and policy implementation are all common duties in development professions and are all strongly related to policy jobs. Modify your LinkedIn profile and CV to reflect your present work in those words.
- Target the right spaces.
Search for research institutes, government affairs teams, advocacy NGOs, and policy think tanks. To add your name to their ecosystem, follow their work on LinkedIn, Twitter/X, and their own websites. This allows you to leave comments and offer your thoughts.
Network with intention.
- Speak with your public policy program's graduates who are employed by think tanks or NGOs. A simple communication such as "I'm considering moving from development to policy and would appreciate your viewpoint" can begin an informational conversation.
- Attend conferences, seminars, and events centered around policies (many are virtual or free). To stand out during Q&A, ask intelligent questions.
- Join local policy networks or professional associations like the International Public Policy Association.
- Create a policy footprint.
Write brief articles or posts on LinkedIn that explore a current policy issue in the field of development. One or two items alone show your ability to write and think like a policy expert.
Building contacts and understanding the market are the goals of networking, not applying for a job. Talking to people makes you more visible and can lead to opportunities that aren't posted on job sites. Putting your development experience through a policy lens will assist decision-makers in realizing how it aligns with your strengths.
Best wishes!
You're on the right track because public policy graduates often begin their careers in related professions like development work, where they are already developing skill sets that employers value. Now is the time to connect with people who can open doors and share your experience with the policy world.
- Highlight transferable skills.
Data analysis, program assessment, stakeholder engagement, and policy implementation are all common duties in development professions and are all strongly related to policy jobs. Modify your LinkedIn profile and CV to reflect your present work in those words.
- Target the right spaces.
Search for research institutes, government affairs teams, advocacy NGOs, and policy think tanks. To add your name to their ecosystem, follow their work on LinkedIn, Twitter/X, and their own websites. This allows you to leave comments and offer your thoughts.
Network with intention.
- Speak with your public policy program's graduates who are employed by think tanks or NGOs. A simple communication such as "I'm considering moving from development to policy and would appreciate your viewpoint" can begin an informational conversation.
- Attend conferences, seminars, and events centered around policies (many are virtual or free). To stand out during Q&A, ask intelligent questions.
- Join local policy networks or professional associations like the International Public Policy Association.
- Create a policy footprint.
Write brief articles or posts on LinkedIn that explore a current policy issue in the field of development. One or two items alone show your ability to write and think like a policy expert.
Building contacts and understanding the market are the goals of networking, not applying for a job. Talking to people makes you more visible and can lead to opportunities that aren't posted on job sites. Putting your development experience through a policy lens will assist decision-makers in realizing how it aligns with your strengths.
Best wishes!
James Constantine Frangos
SOFTWARE ENGINEER SINCE 1972; NUTRITIONIST SINCE 1976.
7094
Answers
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day Policy Professional!
Stand out from the crowd of applicants! You need some distinguishing attribute or feature! Even if you are deemed a freak!
See one of the first things that you can be deemed a freak over is the amount of work you do. Let's take an example if you just work like a trojan and don't socialize. They will brand you as a freak. You will get a lot of work done though.
Well that's what is needed to achieve goals. Pretty hard work. Trouble is you'll probably do more than achieve the goals!
Go the extra mile in whatever you do whether it's volunteering or paid work! The big bosses wIll see that you are actually getting results!
Results change lives for the better! See what we wanna do is increase the quality of life! It was assessed by the Club of Rome in 1972. When you examine the quality of life, it peaked about then!
It's been going down the gurgler, the dunny since! Perhaps we ought to make our efforts to improve the quality of life! Whether it's in the Western world, the Northern world, the Southern world, the Eastern world or whatever!
GOD BLESS!
Stand out from the crowd of applicants! You need some distinguishing attribute or feature! Even if you are deemed a freak!
See one of the first things that you can be deemed a freak over is the amount of work you do. Let's take an example if you just work like a trojan and don't socialize. They will brand you as a freak. You will get a lot of work done though.
Well that's what is needed to achieve goals. Pretty hard work. Trouble is you'll probably do more than achieve the goals!
Go the extra mile in whatever you do whether it's volunteering or paid work! The big bosses wIll see that you are actually getting results!
Results change lives for the better! See what we wanna do is increase the quality of life! It was assessed by the Club of Rome in 1972. When you examine the quality of life, it peaked about then!
It's been going down the gurgler, the dunny since! Perhaps we ought to make our efforts to improve the quality of life! Whether it's in the Western world, the Northern world, the Southern world, the Eastern world or whatever!
GOD BLESS!