What can I do to prepare for a career in Public Policy?

Deana,

I took a Master's level course in Administrative Law last year at Texas State. It was interesting, and mind-boggling, to learn about everything that happens AFTER Congress passes a bill - the regulatory process. I would recommend, if you have any treasured free-time (hard to come by, I know!) to check out regulations.gov, and learn everything you can about this process. I also just found a site called govtrack.us to track Congressional legislation, but am not familiar with it.

On the state level, as you know, the Texas lege convenes only for about half a year every other year. You may want to add the Texas Observer to your reading list.

Academically, four suggestions. First, do whatever you can to learn and understand the perspective of "the other side." You don't have to believe it, but it is easier to counter an argument if you know what it is! (This might mean taking a business course, or two, for example). Second, consider picking up a few classes at another school. I THINK Texas has it set up to where your fees can be adjusted if you are co-enrolled. You are not that far from DFW - it might be possible to take a class once a week at a school there. Third, consider taking some on-line classes: UTSA has a school of public policy - it may be one place to look. http://copp.utsa.edu/ If you look to take classes at a school other than your own, you will want to coordinate this with your advisor so that the classes count towards your degree plan! It may be that you can create your own degree plan. I think we used to have one called "Interdisciplinary studies." Finally, realize there are many classes that might be useful to a career in Public Policy that are called by another name.

I encourage you to teach yourself whatever you can. On regulations.gov, or other sites, pick a regulation, or topic of interest, and follow it. When it opens for public comments, review the proposed regulations, read others' comments, and submit your own! If a proposed reg has opportunity for live commenting, go! At least as an observer. Also,learn to read court opinions. Not all social policy comes from the legislative branch! (Brown v. Board of Education, for example)

The value that you will contribute in a Public Policy role will have to do with your ability to think analytically, write concisely, and speak confidently (even if just when meeting with other staff members in your office.) These are transferable skills that can be picked up in a number of ways. Do not seek out easy classes - find the ones that will develop these skills!

I encourage you to get involved politically. Go to the party precinct and senatorial caucuses. Get behind voter registration drives and get out the vote campaigns. Start working on your networking skills, they will be very important!

It is exciting to see you are so motivated! Keep at it - it's a very interesting world!

Kim

Hi Deana, this a great question. One way to get more experience is definitely doing an internship. A lot of social work programs require you to do some kind of fieldwork and so interning with an elected official or working with a nonprofit can help you. When I was in college I was a research intern for NYC Public Advocate, Bill de Blasio my sophomore year and The Urban Justice Center my junior year.

Hi Deana:

Along the same thought as another response, see if you can volunteer for a local government or a elected official such as a city council member. That will give you a great perspective and experience with public policy, residents' needs, and overall legislative process. In the social work internship arena, consider community organizing or advocacy organizations, they focus on public policies as well.

Good luck,

angela