Podcast · News

Policy Career Guides

by Emerging Tech Policy Careers - Horizon Institute For Public Service · English · News

Actionable, expert advice on policy careers in AI, biosecurity, and emerging technologies. Learn how to break into US policy, where you can make a difference, and strategies to advance your career. Narrations of emergingtechpolicy.org guides by the Horizon Institute for Public Service.

New episodes: Several times a day
Typical length: 18 min
Latest: 31 Mar 2025
Language: English

Latest episode

31 Mar 2025 · 37 min

“Introduction to policy careers” by Horizon Institute for Public Service

New to policy? This guide explains what public policy is, how policy change happens, why you might want to work in policy, and where you could work. --- Outline: (00:42) What is public policy? (02:54) How is policy made? (10:32) Why work in public policy? (10:35) Making a difference (15:35) Personal fulfillment (17:38) Understanding policy careers (18:15) Policy fit (19:57) Specializations and types of roles (22:02) Career pathways (24:27) Where could you work? (25:51) Executive branch (28:48) Congress (31:09) Think tanks (33:45) State governments (34:28) Multilateral institutions and other…

Play episodeWhatsApp Download

Earlier episodes 29 most recent

E2 · 31 Mar 2025 · 39 min
“Testing your fit for policy careers” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
Would you enjoy working in (a particular role within) policy or be miserable? This article discusses what qualities you need to succeed in policy and suggests ways to test your “fit” for policy work to get real-world feedback. --- Outline: (02:24) Thinking about your fit for policy (02:54) Your fit for policy work in general (04:43) Your fit for specific policy institutions, roles, and areas (06:34) Attributes for policy career success (07:29) Helpful attributes for most policy jobs (11:14) Helpful attributes for some policy jobs (15:20) Common misconceptions about personal fit for policy…
E3 · 31 Mar 2025 · 29 min
“Advice for undergraduates interested in US policy” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
Many undergraduates consider pursuing a career in US policy but are uncertain about how to test their fit and get a foot in the door. This post provides advice and highlights opportunities for college students. --- Outline: (00:25) Summary (06:31) Work experience, networking, and skill development (06:36) Mindset and goals (07:12) Exploration (08:27) Professional development (09:30) Internships (10:40) On-campus work: research and teaching assistantships (RA/TA) (12:41) Policy fellowships (14:08) Networking and mentorship (14:56) Skill development (15:30) Academics (16:16) What to study…
E4 · 31 Mar 2025 · 22 min
“Professional development for policy careers” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
Your professional development consists of anything that helps you prepare for and excel in policy work, including your (1) skills, (2) knowledge, (3) network, and (4) credentials. --- Outline: (00:11) Why professional development matters (03:16) Components of professional development (03:20) Skills (04:32) Knowledge (05:07) Understanding DC culture (06:14) Institutional policy knowledge (07:25) Domain-specific policy knowledge (08:52) Network (09:22) Credentials (10:49) Savings (11:22) How do I advance my professional development? (14:24) Should I aim to specialize or become a generalist?…
E4 · 31 Mar 2025 · 1 min
“Policy career essentials” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
Your professional development consists of anything that helps you prepare for and excel in policy work, including your (1) skills, (2) knowledge, (3) network, and (4) credentials. --- Outline: (00:10) Policy career essentials (00:26) Introduction to policy careers (00:40) Testing your fit for policy (00:58) Professional development --- If you’re interested in pursuing a career in emerging technology policy, complete our Policy Career Interest Form , and we may be able to match you with opportunities suited to your background and interests. The original text contained 1 footnote which was…
E5 · 31 Mar 2025 · 18 min
“Why go to graduate school if you want to work in policy?” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
This article discusses whether you need a graduate degree to work in policy, the benefits that graduate school provides, and some considerations against. --- Outline: (01:06) Do you need a graduate degree to work in policy? (03:38) Professional development from a policy-oriented graduate degree (04:37) Credentialing (05:36) Networking (07:25) Knowledge (12:12) Professional skills (13:14) Work experience (14:10) Why not do a graduate degree for policy work? --- If you’re interested in pursuing a career in emerging technology policy, complete our Policy Career Interest Form , and we may be…
E6 · 31 Mar 2025 · 11 min
“What are the best graduate degrees for policy work?” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
This article describes and compares the most common types of graduate degrees for policy professionals—policy master’s, law school, and PhDs. --- Outline: (01:02) Degree comparison (01:51) When to do law school for policy work (02:22) When to do a PhD for policy work (04:05) Other degree types (04:09) STEM degrees (08:29) Master of Business Administration (MBA) (09:23) Master of Public Health (MPH) --- If you’re interested in pursuing a career in emerging technology policy, complete our Policy Career Interest Form , and we may be able to match you with opportunities suited to your background…
E7 · 31 Mar 2025 · 9 min
“When should you go to graduate school?” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
This article explains why we recommend that most people work for 1-3 years before going to graduate school and the situations when this advice doesn’t apply. --- Outline: (00:36) The case for working before graduate school (03:38) Exceptions: Who should do graduate school immediately? (07:15) Applying early --- If you’re interested in pursuing a career in emerging technology policy, complete our Policy Career Interest Form , and we may be able to match you with opportunities suited to your background and interests. The original text contained 6 footnotes which were omitted from this…
E8 · 31 Mar 2025 · 10 min
“What are policy master’s? (Part 1)” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
A policy master’s degree often provides the best balance of benefits over costs for aspiring policy professionals. This article explains what makes these degrees distinctive. --- Outline: (00:11) About this guide (01:23) What are policy master's degrees? (04:29) Course structure (05:17) Academic versus practitioner-oriented degrees (06:16) Why (not) do a master's if you want to work in policy? (07:00) Specific reasons for doing a master's (08:18) Why not do a master's for policy work? --- If you’re interested in pursuing a career in emerging technology policy, complete our Policy Career…
E9 · 31 Mar 2025 · 34 min
“Which policy master’s programs should you apply to? (Part 2)” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
Some policy master’s degrees prepare you much better for a DC policy career than others. This article explains the criteria for where to apply and recommends particular schools. --- Outline: (00:27) Summary (03:04) Where to apply: Process and criteria for choosing a degree (04:08) Subject and curriculum (07:22) Location (10:46) Reputation (14:19) Opportunity cost (18:22) On-campus work opportunities (19:27) For international students: STEM degrees (21:01) Special degree features: part-time, accelerated, and dual/joint (23:20) Cross-registration options (24:25) Which specific policy masters…
E10 · 31 Mar 2025 · 19 min
“What is law school and how can you test your fit? (Part 1)” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
This article explains how law school works (e.g. curriculum, time commitment) and outlines steps you could take to assess your personal fit for a law degree. --- Outline: (00:12) About this guide (01:39) Summary (02:36) About law school (02:51) Curriculum (05:35) Internships, externships, and other experiential opportunities (07:17) Time commitment (09:15) Cost of attendance (09:48) Path to law school (12:24) Alternatives to law school (13:36) Testing your fit for law school --- If you’re interested in pursuing a career in emerging technology policy, complete our Policy Career Interest Form…
E11 · 31 Mar 2025 · 20 min
“Policy master’s: Cost and funding (Part 4)” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
The cost of policy master’s degrees can be high. This article explains these costs and how to make them more manageable through careful planning and research. --- Outline: (00:27) Summary (01:48) Tuition and other costs of policy master's programs (05:13) How to fund graduate school (05:53) University financial aid (08:10) Financial aid bargaining (09:04) Federal financial aid (09:37) Loans and loan forgiveness programs (10:58) Government scholarship-for-service programs (12:01) Employer funding (14:46) Philanthropic scholarships (15:30) Go abroad for graduate school (18:17) Do a PhD instead…
E13 · 31 Mar 2025 · 19 min
“Why (not) go to law school? (Part 2)” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
This article outlines the benefits of attending law school (e.g. learning, skill development, networking, and credentials) and potential downsides (e.g. opportunity cost, mental health). --- Outline: (00:26) Summary (01:57) Law school benefits (02:00) Structural knowledge about how law and public policy work (02:40) Domain-specific knowledge about particular areas of law (05:14) Developing skills and aptitudes (07:45) Networks (09:05) Career exploration (09:27) Credentials (10:46) Other factors that might make law school a more attractive option (12:35) Why not go to law school? (15:07)…
E14 · 31 Mar 2025 · 13 min
“What are the main career paths after law school? (Part 3)” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
This article outlines some promising career paths after law school, focusing on government and policy work. It also explains the difference between practicing law versus shaping policy. --- Outline: (00:26) Summary (01:22) A framing note: Practicing law vs. shaping policy (02:57) Roles practicing law (06:31) Roles outside the practice of law --- If you’re interested in pursuing a career in emerging technology policy, complete our Policy Career Interest Form , and we may be able to match you with opportunities suited to your background and interests. The original text contained 3 footnotes…
E15 · 31 Mar 2025 · 16 min
“How to choose which law schools to apply to? (Part 4)” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
Not all law degrees are created equal—some JDs advance your professional development more than others. This article gives advice on where to apply, considering different career paths and program options. --- Outline: (00:26) Summary (01:27) How much to prioritize rankings? (02:42) Considerations by career path (02:46) Practicing law (05:04) Policy (07:40) Legal academia (07:52) Schools to consider (08:09) Conventional top 14 law schools (08:41) Two more law schools to consider in DC (09:35) Where to find more data (10:01) Special program types (10:05) Part-time programs (10:49) Accelerated…
E16 · 31 Mar 2025 · 9 min
“How to fund law school? (Part 6)” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
The most expensive law schools charge nearly $70,000 per year in tuition. This article provides advice on how to fund your law degree, such as through scholarships, federal financial aid, and loans. --- Outline: (01:08) Institutional scholarships (02:14) Federal financial aid (02:46) Loans and loan forgiveness programs (05:53) Application fee waivers (06:21) Do a master's or PhD instead of a law degree --- If you’re interested in pursuing a career in emerging technology policy, complete our Policy Career Interest Form , and we may be able to match you with opportunities suited to your…
E18 · 31 Mar 2025 · 19 min
“Why (not) work in Congress? (Part 1)” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
This article discusses the motivation for working “on the Hill”—direct impact, professional development, and exploration—and how you can assess your personal fit for congressional work. --- Outline: (00:12) About this guide (01:57) Why (not) work in Congress? (02:24) Opportunities for meaningful policy change (07:05) Acquiring policy knowledge, skills, and connections (10:31) Assessing your fit for Congress (17:16) Considerations for working in Congress --- If you’re interested in pursuing a career in emerging technology policy, complete our Policy Career Interest Form , and we may be able…
E19 · 31 Mar 2025 · 16 min
“Where to work in Congress? (Part 2)” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
This article explains how to think about whether to work in the House or the Senate, in a personal office or a committee, and for the majority or minority party. It also discusses office culture and political affiliations. --- Outline: (01:16) House versus Senate (05:14) Committee versus personal office (09:14) Majority versus minority party (11:45) Office culture (13:26) A note on partisanship and political affiliation --- If you’re interested in pursuing a career in emerging technology policy, complete our Policy Career Interest Form , and we may be able to match you with opportunities…
E20 · 31 Mar 2025 · 22 min
“Assessing office and committee relevance in Congress (Part 3)” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
This article discusses how to identify the offices and committees working on your policy areas of interest, particularly those in emerging technology and security policy. --- Outline: (00:57) Which committees have jurisdiction over your issue? (05:35) The power of the purse: Authorization versus appropriation (11:07) Analyzing committee jurisdiction (12:47) Committees relevant to AI (14:15) Committees relevant to bio (15:46) A note of caution (16:30) Which members have an interest in your issue? --- If you’re interested in pursuing a career in emerging technology policy, complete our Policy…
E21 · 31 Mar 2025 · 30 min
“How to apply for and land a job in Congress? (Part 4)” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
This article explains the different roles available in Congress, provides networking advice, and explains how to search and apply for jobs. --- Outline: (00:28) Explore what job(s) you can get (00:41) Relatively loose credential, citizenship, and security clearance requirements (03:19) The congressional office org chart (05:24) Congressional opportunities at different levels of experience (05:30) Internships for current undergraduate or graduate students (06:01) Full-time roles (06:46) Congressional fellowships (07:05) Networking and reaching out to people (07:35) Tapping your network and…
E22 · 31 Mar 2025 · 4 min
“Congressional fellowships” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
Policy fellowships—term-limited positions in congressional offices, often sponsored by nonprofits—allow you to build first-hand experience in Congress and benefit from training, mentoring, networking, and more. --- If you’re interested in pursuing a career in emerging technology policy, complete our Policy Career Interest Form , and we may be able to match you with opportunities suited to your background and interests. --- Last updated: November 1st, 2023 Source: https://emergingtechpolicy.org/institutions/congress/fellowships
E23 · 31 Mar 2025 · 13 min
“Full-time roles in Congress” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
This guide outlines full-time roles in Congress and how to find job openings, including information on (1) entry-level jobs for recent graduates, (2) jobs for terminal degree holders or mid-career professionals, and (3) senior and non-legislative jobs. --- Outline: (00:36) Entry-level jobs for recent graduates (03:07) Jobs for terminal degree holders or mid-career professionals (04:52) Full-time legislative staff roles (08:38) Congressional fellowships (08:56) More senior and non-legislative jobs (11:04) Finding job openings --- If you’re interested in pursuing a career in emerging…
E24 · 31 Mar 2025 · 19 min
“Congressional internships: Why and where to apply? (Part 1)” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
Most congressional staff are former interns, as are many Members of Congress. This article explains what congressional internships involve and how to decide where to apply. --- Outline: (00:14) About this guide (01:47) How do congressional internships work, and why should I apply for one? (02:21) How do congressional internships work? (04:22) What do congressional interns do? (05:15) What are alternatives to congressional internships? (06:35) Why apply for a congressional internship? (07:00) How to decide where to apply? (07:43) Should I intern in a personal office or with a congressional…
E25 · 30 Mar 2025 · 14 min
“How to get an internship in Congress? (Part 2)” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
This article explains how to learn about congressional internship opportunities, the application process, and important application advice. --- Outline: (01:06) Timeline (01:41) How to learn about internship opportunities (03:48) How to prepare for the first round of the application process (05:12) Writing a good cover letter (06:50) Drafting a good resume (08:21) How to prepare for the second round of the application process (10:19) Case study (13:10) Recommended resources --- If you’re interested in pursuing a career in emerging technology policy, complete our Policy Career Interest Form ,…
E25 · 30 Mar 2025 · 4 min
“Congress” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
This article explains how to learn about congressional internship opportunities, the application process, and important application advice. --- Outline: (00:09) Congress (00:24) Working in Congress: why and how (01:00) 1. Why (not) work in Congress? (01:18) 2. Where to work in Congress? (01:35) 3. How to assess office and committee relevance? (01:52) 4. How to apply for and land a job in Congress? (02:07) Guides to roles in Congress by experience level (02:17) Internships in Congress (02:38) Congressional fellowships (03:01) Full-time roles in Congress (03:22) Committees relevant to emerging…
E28 · 30 Mar 2025 · 8 min
“Think tanks” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
More than a hundred think tanks in DC aim to inform and influence policymaking through a combination of research and writing, convening stakeholders, and advocacy. --- Outline: (00:09) Think tanks (00:24) Working at a DC think tank: why and how (00:41) 1. Why (not) work at a think tank? (00:59) 2. Think tank types & activities (01:16) 3. Think tank roles & personal fit (01:34) 4. Getting a think tank job (01:51) Think tank fellowships (02:31) Early- or mid career full-time fellowships (05:36) Recent PhD or law school graduates (05:55) Early- or mid-career non-resident fellowships (often…
E28 · 30 Mar 2025 · 11 min
“Think tank types & activities (Part 2)” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
More than a hundred think tanks in DC aim to inform and influence policymaking through a combination of research and writing, convening stakeholders, and advocacy. --- Outline: (03:42) Think tank functions and activities (04:20) Research (05:20) Outreach and advocacy (07:12) Convening and education (08:55) The conglomerate question: Think tanks versus programs --- If you’re interested in pursuing a career in emerging technology policy, complete our Policy Career Interest Form , and we may be able to match you with opportunities suited to your background and interests. The original text…
E29 · 30 Mar 2025 · 18 min
“Think tank roles & personal fit (Part 3)” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
Think tanks have a variety of jobs beyond pure research roles (e.g. communications, operations). This article explains the main job categories at think tanks and how to determine your personal fit. --- Outline: (00:56) Assessing your fit for think tank life (04:10) Types of teams and jobs at think tanks (06:13) Research (09:07) External affairs (10:49) Internal (12:53) Consider think tank jobs, not think tank careers (15:32) Non-resident or adjunct fellow roles --- If you’re interested in pursuing a career in emerging technology policy, complete our Policy Career Interest Form , and we may…
E30 · 30 Mar 2025 · 1 hr 1 min
“State-level policy careers” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
States serve as "laboratories of democracy," shaping policies that affect millions while often setting precedents for federal action. This guide explains how US state governments work and advises on when and how to pursue state level roles. --- Outline: (01:26) Overview of state governments (03:26) Relationship between federal and state policy (05:35) Brief profiles on Texas and California (15:17) Why (not) work for state government (16:12) Opportunities for state-level impact (18:32) Opportunities for national impact (20:35) Professional development (23:10) Personal fit considerations…
E30 · 30 Mar 2025 · 28 min
“Researching federal agencies and offices” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
This guide helps you research and pursue federal agency roles that match your policy interests and career goals. It walks you through a practical four-stage process: brainstorming options, conducting targeted research, networking through informational interviews, and creating an action plan. --- Outline: (00:51) Step 1: Brainstorm options (07:03) Step 2: Research specific agencies and offices (08:45) People (11:17) Workstreams (12:57) Resources, mandate, and limitations (16:56) Step 3: Conduct informational interviews (23:48) Step 4: Make an action plan (27:12) Further resources --- If…

About Policy Career Guides

Policy Career Guides is a English news podcast from Emerging Tech Policy Careers - Horizon Institute For Public Service. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Emerging Tech Policy Careers - Horizon Institute For Public Service
Language: English
Category: News
New episodes: Several times a day
Typical length: 18 min
Latest episode: 31 Mar 2025
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1811477778

RSS feed Apple Podcasts

More English news

Take it with you

The Melo app keeps playing with the screen off, works in the car and on your watch, wakes you to your station, and browses the whole catalogue offline. Free, no ads, no account.