What educational qualifications and skills are required to become a public policy analyst?
Author: Venkiteswaran Post Date: 23 May 2024 
Analyzing and reviewing the existing policies in the organization
Evaluating and understanding their current efficacy in achieving the goals and objectives:
Predicting and visioning the future policy by researching current administrative, political, economic industrial happenings and trends.
Providing alternatives and choices in policies and assessing their impacts if implemented.
Preparing the systems and procedures for the smooth implementation of existing and/or new policies.
Ascertaining and identifying the legalities imperatives.
Ethical awareness.
There can be different responsibilities based on the organization, organizational goals, the specific field or sector, etc.
Very good data analytical skills
Social and interpersonal communication skills
Problem-solving ability
Sensing the trends and interpreting them with relation to own organizational policies, needs, and goals,
Ethical awareness to devise policies for the public good.
Good skill with working on a computer or laptop etc.
Co-operation and receptive and convincing capacity with stakeholders
Ability to prepare proper and relevant reports with all needed data and information for management information and decision
Good skills in documentation and record-keeping
Many universities and reputed institutions offer programs and courses in public policy, public administration, political science, etc. or other subjects in the related field. The notable ones for Public Policy are IIT Mumbai, IIM Bangalore and Calcutta, the University of Mumbai, TISS Hyderabad, TISS Mumbai, and the University of Madras. The National Law School of India, University, Bengaluru conducts a Master's Programme in Public Policy. St Xavier's College, Mumbai, St Joseph University, Bangalore, and Kautilya School of Public Policy, Hyderabad are top private colleges offering courses in this field.
Admissions for these courses may be through entrance tests of the respective universities, like CUET, PUBDET, TISSNET, AAT, BHU UET etc.
What is the role and job of a policy analyst
A policy analyst analyzes existing policies to find out their efficacy and deficiencies and evaluates to find out whether they satisfy the goals and objectives for which they were created, and then if needed drafts necessary amendments, improvements, and/or creation of new policy drafts. A policy analyst may be employed and entrusted the job and role in Governments, Non-governmental organizations, private sector organizations, etc. They may be employed in various sectors and fields like public health, education, other services, etc. Organizations will also have different policies for their different objectives and a policy analyst assists in policy planning and implementationGeneral responsibilities of a policy analyst
The following are some common general areas of responsibility of a policy analyst-Analyzing and reviewing the existing policies in the organization
Evaluating and understanding their current efficacy in achieving the goals and objectives:
Predicting and visioning the future policy by researching current administrative, political, economic industrial happenings and trends.
Providing alternatives and choices in policies and assessing their impacts if implemented.
Preparing the systems and procedures for the smooth implementation of existing and/or new policies.
Ascertaining and identifying the legalities imperatives.
Ethical awareness.
There can be different responsibilities based on the organization, organizational goals, the specific field or sector, etc.
Academic qualifications needed for a policy analyst
Basically, a bachelor's degree is the minimum needed. Public administration, political science, sociology, economics, etc. are the general starting point degrees. However, mostly a postgraduate degree in the relevant field is preferred. Knowledge in the field and an additional law degree is also advantageous. PhD, though not essential, will be an advantage for research posts.Skills needed for a policy analyst
The job of a policy analyst requires many essential skills to successfully carry out job responsibilities. While many of these skills are the common ones needed in most other jobs involving teamwork and social interaction, a policy analyst should have:Very good data analytical skills
Social and interpersonal communication skills
Problem-solving ability
Sensing the trends and interpreting them with relation to own organizational policies, needs, and goals,
Ethical awareness to devise policies for the public good.
Good skill with working on a computer or laptop etc.
Co-operation and receptive and convincing capacity with stakeholders
Ability to prepare proper and relevant reports with all needed data and information for management information and decision
Good skills in documentation and record-keeping
Courses for a policy analyst in India
In India, some courses relevant and helpful for those who aspire to become a policy analyst are available at both the undergraduate level and postgraduate level. For example, a BA in Public Policy, an M.A. in Public Policy, a Post Graduate program in Public Policy and Management, a Master's in Public Policy, etc.Many universities and reputed institutions offer programs and courses in public policy, public administration, political science, etc. or other subjects in the related field. The notable ones for Public Policy are IIT Mumbai, IIM Bangalore and Calcutta, the University of Mumbai, TISS Hyderabad, TISS Mumbai, and the University of Madras. The National Law School of India, University, Bengaluru conducts a Master's Programme in Public Policy. St Xavier's College, Mumbai, St Joseph University, Bangalore, and Kautilya School of Public Policy, Hyderabad are top private colleges offering courses in this field.
Admissions for these courses may be through entrance tests of the respective universities, like CUET, PUBDET, TISSNET, AAT, BHU UET etc.
Scope for policy analysts in India
India is a fast-growing economy and is taking up a lot of developmental policies with a long-term future vision projecting a trajectory of growth to become a developed country in due course. Hence the country needs a lot of skilled and experienced policy analysts to review and remove redundant policies to pursue effective and efficient policies and design and create new policies tailored for growth and development as well as public welfare. A study has shown that the demand for policy analysts in India is growing by 20%. Thus, with the right combination of academic qualifications, job-related skills, and enhancing efficiency through work exposure and experience, a policy analyst can have a successful career.Author: Swati Sarnobat Post Date: 17 May 2024
A public policy analyst is hired by the government or large organizations to formulate new policies, make changes to them, and do research with legislators and government officials.
A public policy analyst is hired by the government or large organizations to formulate new policies, make changes to them, and do research with legislators and government officials.
Qualification to become a public policy analyst
To become a public policy analyst, you should complete a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, preferably with major subjects in political science, public administration, international relations, sociology, or any subject about public policies or administration. For entry-level positions, a bachelor's degree is required. But for middle or senior-level positions, a master's degree is required. A student should complete a master's degree such as Master of Public Administration, Master of Public Policy, Master of International Affairs, etc.Skills required to become a public policy analyst
You can inculcate these skills in your college days by joining clubs or associations such as debate teams, business organizations, mock governments, etc. You can build different skills in the process, such as debating skills, critical thinking, analyzing skills, communication skills, and social skills to understand political and social complexities, the psychology of the public, etc.
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