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Public policy careers that drive social impact and sustainable change
“The markedly different patterns across countries demonstrate that policies matter. Inequality is a choice. It is not inevitable.” ― Joseph E. Stiglitz, People, Power, and Profits: Progressive Capitalism for an Age of Discontent
The above quote perfectly underlines the point, how policymaking has the power to shape societies. Public policy careers encompass how to overcome problems and drive systemic change, such as common global challenges, climate change, and other system inequalities.
Why a career in public policy matters
Public policy acts as a bridge between ideas and real-world action. The transformation of research, societal needs, and political priorities into concrete actionable insights is an important aspect.
A career in public policy, therefore, aligns with empowering individuals to address complex challenges and drive systemic changes in the system.
For instance, public policy experts have played a key role in designing the PM-Kishan Scheme, which now has over 100 million farmer beneficiaries. It is a culmination of public policy experts working with the government that creates a policy that can be implemented at scale.
Similarly, these experts work with other stakeholders such as non-governmental organisations, industry associations and corporates to create opinion for policy changes.
Ways in which public policy helps,
- Optimises resource allocation: It is responsible for directing and prioritizing resources, funding, and manpower to areas where they are required the most.
- Transforms ideas into actions: It converts research, evidence, and priorities into practical programmes, laws for tangible changes in the society.
- Address complex challenges: It provides structured solutions to interconnected issues such as climate change and social inequality.
- Creates measurable impact: The policies help establish frameworks for evaluating programmes and projects and track progress and achieve intended goals.
- Promotes equity and inclusion: Public policy helps the marginalised and underserved communities, in seeking fairness and social justice.
Key career paths for social impact and sustainability
So, what kind of career paths allow you to make this kind of impact?
The table below explains the career prospects in public policy for social impact and sustainability, the impact these roles have on different fields, and the key skills required to develop to have a fulfilling career while also making an impact.
| Career Path | Social Impact | Skills/education |
|---|---|---|
| Policy analyst | Shapes evidence-based policies | Data analysis, research, clear communication |
| Legislative advisor | Draft laws and advise lawmakers | Policy knowledge, legal research |
| Non-profit manager | Runs community programme | Project management, fundraising, impact evaluation |
| Enviornmental specialist | Design climate and ecology policies | Environment science, GIS, advocacy |
| Urban planner | Builds and plan sustainable, inclusive cities | Urban design, systems thinking |
| Social impact consultant | Guides firms on ESG and CSR activities | Strategic planning, ESG frameworks, stakeholder engagement |
| International development specialist | Tackles poverty and education globally | Program design, evaluation of assessment and cross-cultural communication |
How to get started in policy careers
Steps to pursue to get started in policy careers include:
- Pursue relevant education: Gain foundational knowledge in public policy, governance, and economics. Join a course like ISPP’s flagship programme in Public Policy, Design & Management.
- Apply to places that work in the domain of public policy for internships and workshops to get familiar with the field.
- Network and engage: Connect with public policy professionals and attend seminars, webinars and workshops around public policy to seek guidance.
ISPP as a pathway to public policy careers
The Indian School of Public Policy (ISPP) offers a pathway to public policy careers and for people who want to make a meaningful impact through public policy. In this video, scholars from ISPP share their experiences of how the school has helped them become problem solvers in the policy space.
- Applied learning: It combines theories with hands-on projects and case studies.
- Global perspective: The public policy domain helps gain global perspective for local issues solutions.
- Mentorship and networking: The experienced faculty members, policy leaders and alumni working across sectors.
- Skill building: At ISPP, students are given training in research, data driven decision-making, design thinking, and leadership to excel in diverse roles.
The Indian School of Public Policy (ISPP) offers the perfect pathway and equips aspiring professionals to translate ideas into impact. Discover more