Stanford University
Stanford, CA, United States
QS =2Full need-based aid
Computer Science · Management Science & Engineering · Economics
- Tuition
- Est. above $60,000 per year before aid
- Deadline
- Typically 1 November
All careers
Economics & Policy
Policy Analyst
Researches public problems and recommends government or organisational policy.
What this career is
Policy analysts study issues such as education, health, trade or climate, evaluate options and write recommendations for governments, NGOs, international organisations and think tanks.
What professionals do
- Research policy issues
- Analyse data and evaluate programmes
- Write briefs and memos
- Brief officials and stakeholders
Outlook: Graduate degrees and international experience strengthen candidates.
Official occupation data
- Political Scientists$142,080
- Economists$124,720
- Urban and Regional Planners$89,320
- Emergency Management Directors$93,330
Tasks, skills, US pay and job growth from O*NET and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Key skills
Research methods
analyticalNeeded for academic research, policy analysis and evidence-driven roles in any sector.
Start with
- · Learn qualitative and quantitative designs
- · Replicate a published study with open data
Writing & argument
communicationEssays, research reports, policy memos and scholarship applications all depend on strong writing.
Start with
- · Write a one-page memo each week
- · Enter an essay competition
Economic analysis & econometrics
analyticalEconomists, policy analysts and many researchers use econometrics to estimate causal effects.
Start with
- · Learn regression and causal inference basics
- · Replicate a simple economics paper
Public speaking
communicationInterviews, pitches, Model UN and leadership roles all reward clear spoken communication.
Start with
- · Join a debate or Model UN club
- · Present a project in under five minutes
Negotiation
communicationUseful for consulting, sales, entrepreneurship and diplomacy.
Start with
- · Learn interests vs. positions
- · Practise in Model UN or case competitions
Education paths
- 1Bachelor's in politics, economics or social sciences
- 2Master's in public policy or international affairs is common
Universities strong in Politics & International Relations
University College London
London, United Kingdom
QS =2Limited aid
Economics · Architecture (The Bartlett) · Computer Science
- Tuition
- Est. £28,000–£45,000 per year for international students
- Deadline
- Typically late January
University of Oxford
Oxford, United Kingdom
QS #4Limited aid
Philosophy, Politics & Economics (PPE) · Economics & Management · Law
- Tuition
- Est. £30,000–£55,000 per year for international students, by course
- Deadline
- Typically mid-October for entry the following autumn
Typical entry-level roles
Research AssistantJunior Policy AnalystProgramme OfficerIntern at an international organisation
Build your profile
Recommended extracurriculars
- · Model UN
- · Policy essay competitions
- · Volunteering with NGOs
- · UN internships
Recommended internships & programmes
Funding variesIn person
- Location
- UN duty stations worldwide
- Deadline
- Postings open throughout the year
PaidIn person
- Location
- UN duty stations worldwide
- Deadline
- Annual; timing varies
Scholarships & fellowships
Funding variesIn person
- Location
- Boston, United States
- Deadline
- Registration typically in autumn for a February conference
Fully fundedIn person
- Location
- Beijing, China
- Deadline
- Typically in September
Fully fundedIn person
- Location
- United Kingdom
- Deadline
- Applications typically open in August and close in early November
Certifications that help
Languages
IELTS Academic
British Council / IDP / Cambridge
The most widely accepted English test for study abroad and scholarships.
- Cost
- Fee set by the local test centre
- Time
- Test takes under 3 hours; 4–8 weeks of prep