Table of Contents
Government Exclusive or Limitless Potential? Discover Public Policy Careers!
A career in public policy has evolved beyond the conventional confines of government employment. Previously, aspiring policy professionals primarily pursued the traditional route through UPSC or SPSC exams, which was considered the sole pathway to engage in the policy-making process. However, recent years have witnessed transformative shifts in this landscape.
The government initiated lateral entries, welcoming specialists from diverse fields to contribute to policymaking as advisors and consultants. Additionally, corporations have increasingly acknowledged their influence on shaping public policies and recognised the importance of policy within their organisational frameworks. This has led to a burgeoning demand for experts in the field of public policy, even within corporate settings.
Explore how individuals passionate about public policy can forge lucrative and respected careers for themselves outside the realm of traditional government roles:
Expanding Horizons: Public Policy Careers Beyond Government Roles
- Consultants/Advisors for various government ministries:
Opportunities in government consultancy for public policy professionals increasingly involve securing consultancy roles within various government ministries. For instance, Himanshu Burad, a 2020 graduate of ISPP, serves as an officer on special duty at Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, contributing significantly to the country’s health infrastructure.
Similarly, Saurabh Mishra, a 2022 alum of ISPP and consultant to the Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, has been instrumental in expanding the TULIP initiative and integrating it with crucial flagship programs like the Smart Cities Mission and Swachh Bharat Mission.
- Corporates:
Modern corporations have established divisions for public policy specialists in response to the evolving regulatory landscape. This move reflects the increasing need for extensive collaboration with government ministries. Given the complexity of policies and regulations affecting corporate operations, there is a growing demand for experts capable of interpreting and navigating these intricacies. For example, Priya Pandey, a 2020 alum of ISPP, has demonstrated remarkable success in carving out a niche in educational consultancy. She holds a full-time consultancy position at KPMG India, where she significantly contributes to projects for the Ministry of Education. Priya’s professional journey is a testament to her accomplishments and success in education consultancy.
- Impactful Research Roles in Public Policy
Public Policy enthusiasts can advance their careers by becoming part of impactful research initiatives. Universities and think tanks often conduct extensive research on policy-related topics, ranging from healthcare, education to environmental sustainability, etc. Vagisha Srivastava, another 2020 alum of ISPP, worked as a research assistant at India Development Foundation, where she engaged in projects to promote development and address socio-economic challenges in India. Currently, she is a PhD Candidate at the Georgia Institute of Technology. In this role, she contributes her expertise to research initiatives on various aspects of internet governance. Research roles are also prevalent in organisations such as J-PAL and Gartner, where activities span data collection and analysis to report writing.
- Global Influence: Careers in International Organisations
International organisations and collaborations continually seek professionals with backgrounds in public policy, presenting opportunities for public policy enthusiasts to contribute to global initiatives. For example, Aditya Kaudan, a 2020 alum, served as an analyst at the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure in New Delhi, where he actively promotes policies to enhance the resilience of infrastructure systems against climate change and disaster risks, thereby fostering sustainable development. Similarly, Pankhuri Jain, a 2021 alum of ISPP, contributed her expertise as a consultant at the World Bank. With a focus on promoting adolescent well-being, empowerment, and resilience, she collaborated extensively with government ministries to contribute to project design, research, and writing for the World Bank’s MPower Project (Meghalaya Multisectoral Project for Adolescent Wellbeing, Empowerment, and Resilience).
- Prestigious Fellowships: Direct Pathways to Impact
Public Policy professionals can forge successful careers by participating in fellowships that can create a direct impact. It can help individuals build new insights and perspectives on various policy issues, as most fellowships provide hands-on experience through project work or field placements. Currently, Sukanya, a 2020 alum of ISPP, holds the esteemed International Climate Protection Fellow position at the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation in Germany. As part of this role, she contributes to global efforts at combating climate change and fostering environmental resilience.
- Political Consultancy: Shaping the Future
Political consultancy is an evolving field in India encompassing diverse verticals like research, policy analysis, campaigning, etc. Political think tanks in India are vital incubators for novel ideas and creative policy solutions. Through rigorous research and analysis, these organisations play an essential role in shaping policies by offering recommendations to the political parties they serve. Political consultancies like I-PAC, Inclusive Minds, and Nation with Namo recruit policy specialists to drive their initiatives forward. Even members of parliament generally have one or two research associates who assist with parliamentary and legislative work.
- Social Impact Organisations: Driving Change
Social Impact organisations like Samagra, Dasra, Sattva, etc., are increasingly hiring public policy professionals to advance their goal of creating direct impact. These firms provide social impact and, in addition, help build a knowledge base and develop alliances among NGOs working on similar issues.
Conclusion
The landscape of public policy has transitioned from being predominantly government-centric to encompassing a diverse array of organisations. It offers young minds a chance to contribute meaningfully to society and drive positive change. With the growing demand for skilled public policy professionals, embracing a career in public policy is a compelling choice, offering numerous opportunities for aspiring individuals eager to influence policy and contribute to society’s betterment.
By integrating these strategies and exploring diverse career paths, public policy professionals can forge successful and impactful careers, contributing significantly to developing and implementing policies that shape the future. Whether in government, corporate roles, research, or international organisations, the field of public policy is ripe with opportunities for those committed to making a difference.
Building a Successful Career in Public Policy with ISPP
Register your Interest to Study at ISPP
Earning a Postgraduate Degree A postgraduate degree in public policy or a related field provides essential skills and knowledge for analysing and developing policies. Flagship programmes like the Public Policy, Design & Management Programme at the Indian School of Public Policy (ISPP) offer rigorous education in policy analysis, research, and advocacy. According to a recent survey, the demand for public policy professionals in India will increase by over the next few years.
Gain Practical Experience Internships, fellowships, and volunteering provide practical experience and help build a network of contacts. These experiences offer insights into policy-making processes and develop essential skills. For example, Vagisha Srivastava’s role as a research assistant at the India Development Foundation provided her with valuable experience that she now leverages at the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Network and Stay Updated Attending conferences, seminars, and workshops helps public policy professionals connect with industry experts and peers. It is crucial to keep abreast of current policy issues and debates by reading relevant literature and following experts on social media. Engaging with professional organisations and attending events like the India Fundraising Conference can provide invaluable networking opportunities.
Develop Essential Skills Enhance analytical, communication, and leadership skills through specialised courses and workshops. Data analysis, writing, and presentation skills are particularly valuable in public policy roles. For instance, professionals like Saurabh Mishra have utilised their analytical skills to integrate programs with key flagship initiatives, demonstrating the practical application of these skills.
FAQs