Policy Career Guides
A podcast offering practical, expert guidance on building a career in policy for AI, biosecurity, and other emerging technologies. It covers how to enter the US policy world, where professionals can have the most impact, and ways to advance their careers. Each episode narrates guides from emergingtechpolicy.org, produced by the Horizon Institute for Public Service.
Episodes
“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 rol
“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) At
“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
“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-spe
“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
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If you’re interested in pursuing a career in emerging tech
“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(1
“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)
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“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
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“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) Sp
“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
“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(12:2
“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 forgi
“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 ap
“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
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If you’re interested in pursuing a career in eme
“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)
“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
“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 Cong
“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 poli
“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 r
“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) Intern
“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.
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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
“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 legis
“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 alternativ
“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 t
“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)
“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
“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
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If you’re interested in pursui
“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
“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
“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)
“Getting a think tank job (Part 4)” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
This article provides advice on how to find think tank job opportunities, which roles to apply for (including internships and fellowships), and how to improve your chances in the application process. ---Outline:(00:24) Which jobs should you apply to?(06:36) Finding specific opportunities(08:04) Internship programs(10:02) Succeeding in the application process(17:26) Relevant degrees and credentials
“Political campaigning” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
A political campaign is an organized effort to elect candidates to public office or pass ballot initiatives such as constitutional amendments, legislative referenda, or local ordinances. ---Outline:(02:04) Campaign types, organization, and roles(02:09) Campaign types(04:49) Primary and general election campaigns(07:44) Competitive campaigns and partisan campaign committees(10:34) Legislative campa
“Multilateral governance careers” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
Working in or with a multilateral organization can be a great way to tackle global challenges and advance your career, but this career path also has some important potential downsides. ---Outline:(01:45) What is multilateral governance?(04:08) The multilateral governance process(06:24) Differences between multilateral governance and national policy(08:52) Working on multilateral policy(09:42) Mult
“National labs and FFRDCs” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
National labs like Los Alamos are crucial for informing government policy and advancing science and technology, particularly in national security. ---Outline:(00:37) What on Earth are FFRDCs?(05:48) Overview of FFRDCs(06:23) Types of FFRDCs(08:06) National labs: history and overview(08:11) The labs: A (very) brief history(11:27) Overview of the national labs today(16:58) Why (not) work for the FFR
“How to apply and get admitted to law school? (Part 5)” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
The law school admission process is highly competitive and time intensive. This article explains the process and how to strengthen your application in the most time-effective way. ---Outline:(01:12) Overview of your application(02:56) Where to focus your time and effort(08:45) Quantitative components of the application(08:49) GPA(10:56) LSAT or GRE(11:53) Comparing the LSAT and the GRE(14:27) Deci
“Interviewing for federal positions” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
This article covers interview preparation, the scoring system, common mistakes to avoid, and what to expect during and after the interview. ---Outline:(00:10) Getting started(02:09) Preparation(02:11) Understanding the vacancy and scoring system(03:46) Strategies for effective interview preparation(06:24) Avoiding common mistakes(08:23) What to expect(09:01) Succeeding in panel interviews(09:41) O
“Intelligence community (IC)” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
The US intelligence community (IC) is a network of 18 government agencies and offices charged with collecting, analyzing, and delivering intelligence to senior US leaders to support national security decision-making. ---Outline:(01:21) Background on the IC(01:24) What does the IC do?(03:16) The IC's diverse types of roles and activities(04:01) Functional and regional analysts(05:50) Technical role
“Executive branch biosecurity policy” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
This guide serves as a starting point for exploring careers in biosecurity policy in the executive branch. It reviews key policy areas and agency roles and highlights key considerations to inform your career planning. ---Outline:(01:44) What is biosecurity?(03:23) Mapping the federal biosecurity ecosystem(09:05) What agencies work on in biosecurity(09:54) COVID-19 vaccines as a case study in gover
“Policy institutions” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
This guide serves as a starting point for exploring careers in biosecurity policy in the executive branch. It reviews key policy areas and agency roles and highlights key considerations to inform your career planning. ---Outline:(00:09) Policy institutions(00:23) Executive branch(00:45) Congress(01:09) Think tanks(01:33) State-level policy careers(01:53) National labs and FFRDCs(02:15) Intelligenc
“Executive branch AI policy” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
This guide is a starting point for exploring AI policy careers in the executive branch. It reviews key policy areas and agency roles and highlights key considerations to inform your career planning. ---Outline:(01:57) What is AI policy?(03:52) Mapping the federal AI ecosystem(08:03) What agencies work on in AI policy(08:52) Chip export controls as a case study in government coordination(14:13) Nav
“Full-time policy roles” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
This page focuses on how to find and apply for full-time positions in public service, highlighting job boards and relevant resources, outlining common career paths, listing policy opportunities, and explaining how to narrow down your options. ---Outline:(00:33) Relevant resources(01:51) Job boards(03:51) Common career paths(06:51) Where to apply?(06:54) Policy opportunities in Washington DC(09:04)
“Virtual Student Federal Service” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
VSFS facilitates part-time, remote semester internships with federal agencies for current students. ---Outline:(00:32) Summary(02:11) Who is eligible?(03:02) Why is this an exciting opportunity?(03:06) A wide variety of government agencies participate in VSFS(03:59) No previous government experience is required(04:22) The program is very flexible(04:40) The experience can be useful for future appl
“Policy internships” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
Many schools offer semester in DC programs providing support for internship applications, academic credit, funding, accommodation, and networking opportunities. ---Outline:(01:31) Why apply for a policy internship?(01:59) Credentials(02:54) Networking(05:38) Learning(06:42) Testing fit(08:31) A note on partisan affiliation(08:52) How to apply(10:54) Where to apply (general internship categories)(1
“Semester in DC programs” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
Many schools offer semester in DC programs providing support for internship applications, academic credit, funding, accommodation, and networking opportunities. ---Outline:(00:41) What are semester in DC programs?(01:01) Benefits(02:59) Costs(03:30) Timing(04:02) Applications and eligibility
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If you’re interested in pursuing a career in emerging technology policy, complete our Policy C
“How to apply? Getting into top policy master’s degrees (Part 3)” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
This article outlines the application process for policy master’s degrees and provides tips to strengthen the different components of your application. ---Outline:(00:27) Summary(01:18) Application timelines(02:38) Application prerequisites(03:49) Qualitative application components(04:21) Resume(05:12) Statement of purpose and other essays(07:50) Letters of recommendation(10:26) Quantitative appli
“Tips and resources” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
Policy careers are highly network-driven. Networking is a learnable skill and developing a strong network helps you get valuable advice, hear of relevant job openings, be successful when you apply, and have an impact on the job. ---Outline:(00:09) Tips and resources(00:25) Networking in policy(00:43) Policy skills(00:59) Security clearances(01:15) Partisan affiliation(01:32) Policy resumes(01:48)
“Networking in policy” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
Policy careers are highly network-driven. Networking is a learnable skill and developing a strong network helps you get valuable advice, hear of relevant job openings, be successful when you apply, and have an impact on the job. ---Outline:(00:10) Why networking matters(02:03) The networking mindset(03:58) How to start building a DC policy network(08:45) Preparing for networking conversations(12:4
“Policy skills” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
Policy work requires a diverse set of skills, depending on the specific role. This article explains which skills and traits are most essential for success in policy careers, and how to develop them. ---Outline:(01:04) Essential skills for policy work(01:29) Writing(02:52) Networking and social skills(03:38) Research skills(04:29) Public speaking(04:59) Language skills(05:27) Technical skills and k
“Security clearances” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
Government jobs typically require a security clearance, especially in national security. This article provides advice on how to improve your chances and speed up the future clearance process. ---Outline:(01:11) Levels of background checks and security clearances(04:23) What's the process for getting a security clearance?(07:56) What roles do you need a security clearance for?(08:35) What can disqu
“Advice and resources for underrepresented groups in policy” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
Entering a policy career can be particularly challenging for individuals from traditionally underrepresented groups. This post highlights relevant resources, career opportunities, and advice. ---Outline:(00:32) Networking and mentorship(02:33) Professional opportunities and landing a job(04:03) Internships and fellowships(04:22) Recommended resources
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If you’re interested in pursuing a
“National Science Foundation (NSF)” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
NSF is an independent federal agency that advances US science and engineering progress through competitive research grants, partnerships, education, and workforce development. NSF investments drive developments across AI, biosecurity, and other emerging technologies. ---Outline:(00:10) Overview(02:01) Background on NSF(03:54) Organizational structure(05:49) NSF and AI policy(06:50) AI-related deve
“Partisan affiliation” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
Certain activities can tag you as partisan, like volunteering for a campaign, or donating to political candidates. This article provides advice on the potential impacts of partisan affiliations on your policy career.
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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 suit
“Information for foreign nationals” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
Some non-Americans wonder whether they’re eligible for public policy work in the US. This post provides information on the main immigration categories and explains the challenges and opportunities facing foreign nationals. ---Outline:(01:00) Summary(02:57) Policy work by immigration status(03:33) Types of policy work by immigration status(05:22) Immigration category details(06:38) Student visas(10
“Executive branch” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
CDC’s mission is to protect America from health, safety, and security threats, both foreign and domestic. It provides public health expertise, conducts research, and plays a central role in biosecurity. ---Outline:(00:10) Executive branch(00:24) Federal agency profiles(00:41) Executive branch AI policy overview(00:59) Executive branch biosecurity policy overview(01:17) ARPAs \[AI+bio\](01:34) Exec
“Policy cover letters” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
Home / Tips & resources / Policy cover letters Contents ▾ Tips & Resources Updated 8th Jul 2026 6 min read Share Policy cover letters This guide explains how to write effective cover letters for US policy positions (e.g. congressional offices, think tanks, state legislatures). Your cover letter should strategically complement your resume, providing color ---Outline:(00:44) Format: How to structure
“Policy resumes” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
Home / Tips & resources / Policy resumes Contents ▾ Tips & Resources Updated 8th Jul 2026 8 min read Share Policy resumes This guide explains how to write a resume for US policy roles (e.g. Congress, think tanks, state legislatures), including advice on resume formatting, content, and writing. Policy resumes generally follow standard resume ---Outline:(00:54) Format: How to make your resume look p
“Technical standards and evaluations” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
Home / Policy levers / Technical standards and evaluations Contents ▾ Policy Levers Updated 3rd Jun 2026 42 min read Share Technical standards and evaluations Overview Technical standards—shared expectations for definitions, performance of products and systems, and testing—underpin nearly all aspects of technology and manufacturing globally. Evaluations check whether those expectations are being m
“Federal R&D funding” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
Home / Policy levers / Federal R&D funding Contents ▾ Policy Levers Updated 3rd Jun 2026 51 min read Share Federal R&D funding Overview Federal R&D funding—public dollars allocated by the US government to support scientific and technological progress—is among the strongest policy tools for shaping national innovation. Spawned out of Cold War ambitions to ---Outline:(00:10) Overview(01:39) Why does
“Export controls” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
Home / Policy levers / Export controls Contents ▾ Policy Levers Updated 3rd Jun 2026 39 min read Share Export controls Overview Export controls are regulations that restrict which goods, technologies, and services can be sold or transferred to foreign countries, entities, or individuals. The US government primarily uses export controls to protect national security ---Outline:(00:09) Overview(01:32
“Regulatory policy” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
Home / Policy levers / Regulatory policy Contents ▾ Policy Levers Updated 27th May 2026 42 min read Share Regulatory policy Overview Federal regulations—legally binding rules that Congress has authorized federal agencies to create—touch nearly all aspects of life. More than 100 US federal agencies regulate hundreds of thousands of activities and products, from aviation ---Outline:(00:09) Overview(
“Using LinkedIn for policy roles” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
Home / Tips & resources / Using LinkedIn for policy roles Contents ▾ Tips & Resources Updated 15th Jun 2026 12 min read Share Using LinkedIn for policy roles This guide explains how to effectively use LinkedIn to build your professional network and identify and pursue policy-focused roles (e.g. in Congress, think tanks, state legislatures). ---Outline:(00:51) How to optimize your profile(06:41) Ex
“Political campaigning” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
A political campaign is an organized effort to elect candidates to public office or pass ballot initiatives such as constitutional amendments, legislative referenda, or local ordinances. ---Outline:(02:04) Campaign types, organization, and roles(02:09) Campaign types(04:47) Primary and general election campaigns(07:42) Competitive campaigns and partisan campaign committees(10:31) Legislative campa
“Export controls” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
This guide covers the fundamentals of US export controls and their role in shaping emerging technologies. It walks through the export control process and key players, then discusses career opportunities in export control policy. ---Outline:(00:09) Overview(01:32) Why does the government use export controls?(02:23) Export control basics(03:07) What gets controlled(04:21) How controls work(06:26) Co
“Regulatory policy” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
This guide covers the fundamentals of US regulatory policy at the federal level and its role in shaping emerging technologies. It walks through the regulatory process and key players, and discusses career opportunities in regulatory policy. ---Outline:(00:09) Overview(01:18) Why does the government regulate?(03:33) Regulatory policy basics(07:19) Types of regulation(07:29) Policy areas and their r
“Technical standards and evaluations” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
This guide explains how the US government develops and uses technical standards and evaluations and how they intersect with emerging technology policy. It outlines key institutions and processes and discusses considerations and opportunities for working in this space. ---Outline:(00:11) Overview(02:16) Why does the government use technical standards and evaluations?(04:39) Technical standards and
“Federal R&D funding” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
This guide explains how and why the US government funds R&D, outlines key institutions and processes, and discusses considerations and opportunities for working in R&D policy. ---Outline:(00:09) Overview(01:39) Why does the government invest in R&D?(04:39) Federal R&D funding basics(09:02) Funding models and mechanisms(12:42) Federal R&D funding and emerging technology(25:10) Why (not)
“Short-term policy programs” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
Short-term policy programs can help you build expertise, network with professionals, and explore policy careers. This post highlights a range of policy seminars, workshops, and courses, typically running from 2-3 days to 6 weeks, many of which are free or offer stipends. ---Outline:(01:08) General policy opportunities(10:22) Science and tech policy opportunities(15:06) Programs for students from s
“Federal Trade Commission (FTC)” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
The FTC is an independent federal agency of the US government with a dual mission to promote fair competition and protect American consumers from predatory or misleading business practices. ---Outline:(00:10) Overview(01:11) Background on FTC(02:22) Organizational structure(03:46) FTC and AI policy(03:50) FTC components working on AI policy(05:27) Recent AI-related developments at FTC(08:24) Worki
“Department of State (DOS)” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
State oversees US foreign policy, negotiating treaties, managing diplomatic missions, and representing the US in international bodies. ---Outline:(00:21) Overview(02:11) Background on State(04:08) Organizational structure(06:47) Workforce(09:07) Department of State and AI policy(10:16) Major recent AI-related developments at State(13:42) State offices working on AI-related policy(14:02) Department
“National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is a non-regulatory agency in the Department of Commerce that serves as the US national measurement institute. ---Outline:(00:11) Overview(01:39) Background on NIST(03:26) Organizational structure(07:27) NIST and AI standards(09:35) NIST and bio standards(11:32) Working at NIST(13:10) Further reading
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If you’re interested in pur
“Technical standards and evaluations” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
This guide explains how the US government develops and uses technical standards and evaluations and how they intersect with emerging technology policy. It outlines key institutions and processes and discusses considerations and opportunities for working in this space. ---Outline:(00:11) Overview(02:16) Why does the government use technical standards and evaluations?(04:39) Technical standards and
“Department of Commerce (DOC)” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is a non-regulatory agency in the Department of Commerce that serves as the US national measurement institute. ---Outline:(00:50) Overview(03:17) Background on Commerce(05:04) Organizational structure(06:03) Commerce and AI policy(07:09) Recent AI-related developments at Commerce(14:23) Commerce offices working on AI policy(14:41) Commerce
“Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
HHS plays a crucial role in healthcare, public health, medical research, and social services. It's responsible for preparing for and responding to biological threats, including via CDC, ASPR, NIH, and FDA. ---Outline:(00:25) Overview(02:04) Background on HHS(03:37) HHS and biosecurity policy(05:09) 2022. National Biodefense Strategy and Implementation Plan(05:47) Major recent biosecurity-related d
“Advanced Research Projects Agencies (ARPAs)” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
ARPAs are specialized R&D funding entities designed to accelerate technological breakthroughs across national defense, intelligence, energy, and health. ---Outline:(00:11) Overview(02:40) Organization(04:48) The ARPA model(10:45) Personal fit: Why (not) work at an ARPA(11:01) Advantages(12:45) Disadvantages(15:20) The ARPAs and emerging technology R&D(15:56) Defense Advanced Research Project A
“PhD advice for policy careers” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
We generally advise against pursuing a PhD for policy work. This guide explains why, gives exceptions to this advice, and offers strategies for optimizing a PhD program for policy work. ---Outline:(01:21) Why we typically advise against PhDs(02:53) The high opportunity cost of PhD programs(05:11) PhDs are optimized for academic careers, not policy careers(06:57) When a PhD makes sense for policy w
“Department of Energy (DOE)” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
DOE oversees energy policy, scientific research, and the nuclear arsenal, being the largest US government funder of physical science research. It significantly contributes to science and technology development and policy, including AI and biosecurity, particularly via its national labs. ---Outline:(00:10) Overview(01:50) Background on DOE(03:55) Organizational structure(06:14) DOE and AI policy(07
“PhD advice for policy careers” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
We generally advise against pursuing a PhD for policy work. This guide explains why, gives exceptions to this advice, and offers strategies for optimizing a PhD program for policy work. ---Outline:(01:21) Why we typically advise against PhDs(02:54) The high opportunity cost of PhD programs(05:12) PhDs are optimized for academic careers, not policy careers(06:58) When a PhD makes sense for policy w
“PhD advice for policy careers” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
We generally advise against pursuing a PhD for policy work. This guide explains why, gives exceptions to this advice, and offers strategies for optimizing a PhD program for policy work. ---Outline:(01:22) Why we typically advise against PhDs(02:54) The high opportunity cost of PhD programs(05:14) PhDs are optimized for academic careers, not policy careers(06:59) When a PhD makes sense for policy w
“Security clearances” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
Passing a background check and receiving clearance is among the biggest barriers to federal employment. This can make holding an active clearance (or being eligible for one) one of the most valuable assets for advancing your federal career. ---Outline:(01:12) Levels of background checks and security clearances(04:24) What's the process for getting a security clearance?(07:54) What roles do you nee
“National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)” by Horizon Institute for Public Service
NNSA maintains and secures the US nuclear weapons stockpile, works to prevent nuclear proliferation and terrorism, powers the US Navy through nuclear propulsion, and responds to nuclear and radiological emergencies domestically and abroad. ---Outline:(00:10) Overview(01:22) Background on NNSA(02:40) Organizational structure(04:28) NNSA and AI policy(06:08) Recent AI developments at NNSA(08:56) NNS
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