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What does a Policy Advisor do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 4 min read

A policy advisor is a professional who provides advice and recommendations to government officials or organizations on various public policy issues. Policy advisors typically have a background in economics, political science, or law.

Policy Advisor job duties include:

  • Conduct policy research and analysis on a variety of issues
  • Attend and participate in meetings with government officials, lobbyists, and other interest groups
  • Develop policy recommendations based on research and analysis
  • Write reports and policy briefs on a variety of topics
  • Present findings and recommendations to clients, senior staff, and others
  • Manage projects and teams of researchers and analysts
  • Stay up-to-date on developments in the field of policy research
  • Network with other policy professionals
  • Serve as a resource for media inquiries on policy issues
  • Advocate for specific policies or positions

Policy Advisor Job Requirements

A Policy Advisor is responsible for providing policy analysis and recommendations to government officials. They develop policies to address current and future issues, and work with other government staff to implement these policies. To be a Policy Advisor, you will need at least a Master’s degree in public policy, political science, or a related field. In addition, you will need several years of experience working in policy development or analysis. Certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners is also beneficial.

Policy Advisor Skills

  • Policy analysis
  • Research
  • Writing
  • Presenting
  • Strategic thinking
  • Negotiation
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Communication
  • Organizational skills
  • Time management
  • Problem solving

Related: Top Policy Advisor Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Policy Advisor

A policy advisor is a professional who provides advice and guidance on policy issues to government officials and organizations. Policy advisors are often experts in a particular field or issue, and they use their knowledge to help shape policies that will have a positive impact on the lives of people affected by those policies. If you’re interested in becoming a policy advisor, here are a few things you should know.

First, it’s important to get a solid education. A bachelor’s degree is typically the minimum requirement for most policy advisor positions, but many employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree or higher. If you’re not sure what field you want to specialize in, consider pursuing a degree in public policy, political science, or economics. These programs will give you the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in the field.

Once you have your degree, it’s time to start building your experience. There are a few ways to do this, but one of the best is to intern with a government agency or organization that deals with policy issues. This will give you first-hand experience with the process of developing and implementing policies, and it will also help you network with other professionals in the field.

Another way to gain experience is to work on campaigns for political candidates who support policies that align with your own beliefs. This will give you an opportunity to learn about the political process and how to influence it. You can also volunteer for organizations that lobby for or against specific policies. This type of work will help you understand how the legislative process works and how different interest groups try to influence it.

Once you have some experience under your belt, you can start looking for full-time jobs as a policy advisor. Many policy advisors work for government agencies, think tanks, or consulting firms. Others work as lobbyists or campaign staffers for elected officials. No matter where you end up working, your ultimate goal will be to help shape policies that improve people’s lives.

Related: Policy Advisor Resume Example

Related: Policy Advisor Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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