Policy Analyst

Policy analysts attempt to explain public and private policies and their development. In some cases, analysts will be involved with formulating policies for businesses or governments. Policy analysts gather statistical data, analyze policies and project outcomes.

Employers:
Think Tanks (Brookings Institution, Council on Foreign Relations, American Enterprise Institute, Heritage Foundation, etc.)Legal CorporationsUnited States House of RepresentativesUnited States SenateState Legislative Bodies

Qualifications/Preferred Skills:
A bachelor's degree is required, and most policy analysts either have a JD or PhD. Employers look for candidates who have experience, even in entry-level positions. Policy analysts are able to interpret and analyze data. They have strong verbal and written skills and they also have a thorough knowledge of the law, government and democratic process.

How will your economics degree help in this field?
As a policy analyst, you will have a hand in creating and changing economic policies. Your ability to analyze and synthesize data is essential for this career. This career path may be especially interesting to students with a minor/double major in political science or international relations or who plan to attend law school.

National Average Salary:
$63,000

​References:
http://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2007/spring/art03.pdf
http://www.indeed.com/salary/Policy-Analyst.html^​