What Is a Policy Advisor?

Policymaking affects stakeholders in all types of organizations, both in the public and private sectors. Organizations turn to policy advisors to ensure that policy development is done in a way that makes improvements while also helping those who will be impacted.

Knowing what policy advisors do and how to become one can help you decide if this is a career you might be interested in pursuing.

What Is a Policy Advisor?

Policy advisors, whether working for businesses or government agencies, have similar roles. As the name suggests, they are responsible for reviewing and recommending improvements to current policies and potential new policies.

Although most policy advisors work with local governments or the federal government, some work with businesses or nonprofits in project management and decision-making roles about company policy or explaining how governmental policies impact the daily functions of their organization.

Responsibilities of a Policy Advisor

The daily responsibilities of a policy advisor include multiple elements, such as policy analysis, review, and making recommendations for policy proposals.

Although a public advisor job will have similar responsibilities at a surface level, different policy specialties will involve different focuses. For example, a policy advisor who works with healthcare-related policy issues will have different responsibilities than an advisor who works with financial services for a treasury department.

Skills Required of Policy Advisors

Regardless of specialization within policy advising, several skills are required to do the job properly.

These skills include:

• critical thinking skills
• written and verbal communication skills for briefings and debates
• data collection and analysis skills
• ability to collaborate with stakeholders and decision-makers
• understanding domestic public policy and international relations
• real-time problem-solving skills in a fast-paced environment
• understanding how to work with advocacy groups, think tanks, and lobbying groups

These skills will be fairly universal, but different concentrations may include more specific skills. For example, an immigration policy advisor could benefit from an international relations major more than an advisor who works with a local government in the Pacific Northwest.

How To Decide if You Should Become a Policy Advisor

If you're considering this role, there are a few steps you should take to see if a policy advisor job is right for your future.

Determine Your Skill Set

First, look at what skills you already have. Although many of the skills involved in policy advising can be taught in college or with work experience, having prior knowledge will mean fewer barriers to entry.

Think About Your Career Goals

Even if you possess the skills that could make you a good policy advisor, you need to review your career goals. If you've ever thought about working in government, but not as a politician, a policy advisor role could be a good fit. This job allows you to work in tandem with governments of all levels to promote policy that improves the lives of people living in your community or the nation as a whole.

If you'd rather work in the private sector, there will still be opportunities for you. Policy advisors don't have to work for governments. Many companies benefit from policy advisors contributing to company policy, such as benefits packages, discipline methodologies, and more.

Consider Job Availability

Lastly, you'll need to consider the number of job postings for policy advisor roles in the concentration or region you'd like to work in. Government officials are now placing increased emphasis on public health following a global pandemic. As new policies around health continue to be proposed, the need for advisors will increase. There will also be increased demand for technology-based advisors, especially concerning the growing role of artificial intelligence and its usage.

How To Become a Policy Advisor

If you've reviewed the skill requirements and discovered that a role as a policy advisor would align with your career goals, the next step is to figure out how to become one.

You'll need to take several steps to become a policy advisor.

Find the Right School

Before you become a policy advisor, you'll need to earn a degree. Finding the right school to earn your degree might seem daunting, but there are a few criteria that can help you narrow down which school is right for you.

Although most policy advisor jobs require a bachelor's degree, some senior policy advisor roles might require a master's degree or a doctoral degree. Finding a university with graduate degrees is often necessary to start your journey to being a policy advisor.

Finding the right school also can be easier when you select the degree program you'll be pursuing. Although there aren't always degree programs specifically for policy advisors, there are several degrees that might set you up for success within the field, such as:

• business administration
• political science
• public administrations
• social work
• sociology
• economics
• law

Earn an Undergraduate Degree

Once you've selected your college and the degree path you will follow, you can get to work. Some more advanced positions in the industry will require a master's degree, but you'll most likely be able to start work in the industry with an undergraduate degree.

There is often an internship requirement when you near the end of your undergraduate degree. This will be a great way to begin networking and establish connections, increasing your chances of being hired after you graduate.

Gain Experience Working as a Policy Advisor

College degrees are important and can teach you many of the skills needed daily to be a policy advisor, but there is no better teacher than years of experience. Getting to work can help you develop and expand your skill set while learning from people who have been doing the job full-time. In addition to the work-related benefits that can come with experience, you also might be able to leverage your experience into credit for a graduate-level degree.

Consider an Advanced Degree

Even though you might be able to work with an undergraduate degree, there will be a lower ceiling in terms of average salary and promotion opportunities compared to someone with a graduate degree. If you want to advance your career, you might need to continue or return to school for a graduate degree.

FAQs About Policy Advisors

There are many questions about what policy advisors do and how to become one. Having answers to these questions can help you plan your future in the industry.

What Is the Difference Between a Policy Advisor and a Policy Analyst?

Both roles perform similar functions with a few key differences. Policy advisors often work with governments and other groups outside of their organizations. Policy analysts, or political analysts, often work within a single department of government or organization to review internal policy.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Policy Advisor?

Becoming a policy advisor can take four to six years, depending on your degree. Most bachelor's degrees can be completed in four years, while a master's degree often takes five to six years to complete the required credit hours.

Can You Become a Policy Advisor Completely Online?

Many of the degree programs that students follow to become policy advisors are offered online through accredited universities. Confirm that your school and program are accredited regionally or nationally to increase your chance of being hired.

What Is a Typical Day Like for a Policy Advisor?

A typical day for a policy advisor involves activities like:

• meetings and debates
• reading and reviewing current policy
• contacting various stakeholders
• writing briefings