Want to Shape India’s Future? Explore a Career in Public Policy

Do you dream of making a difference? A career in public policy is one of the most effective ways of transforming society. You’ll have the chance to work with government agencies, NGOs, private companies, and research institutes. Be it social justice, environmental sustainability, or economic development, no matter the cause you support, a career in public policy will give you the power to leave your mark.

Why Public Policy is a Booming Career

Public policy addresses complex issues facing societies by coming up with solutions that are for the better good of the public. The field is dynamic and diverse. Your contributions will include designing, implementing, and analysing policy decisions that will affect the entire population.

India needs such experts who can be at the forefront of creating policies and implementing them for effective governance. As a public policy professional, you won’t be limited to just bureaucratic roles, there are relevant opportunities in many sectors. This shift has opened up new opportunities if you have the right skills and expertise to enter the policy-making arena. Check out the increase in the number of job openings to learn how much this field has grown.

The Scope of Public Policy Careers

A career in public policy doesn’t limit you to one sector or job role. Instead, it opens doors across diverse domains. Think of government agencies, think tanks, international organisations, research institutions, non-profits, or even the private sector as possibilities. They all come with their pros and cons, but each will allow you to shape your career uniquely.

For instance, as a policy analyst, you’ll examine policy issues, conduct research, and provide recommendations that help shape government decisions. If you would like a much more advisory role, work as a policy advisor with stakeholders to shape policy direction. If consulting is more your style, becoming a public policy consultant allows you to offer custom advice to a variety of clients on policy issues.

Now, let’s explore some of the fields where public policy professionals are widely needed.

Public Policy in Government

Working for the government as a public policy professional is the simplest way to serve national development. You’ll get the chance to create policies addressing pressing issues such as rural development, urban planning, education, and healthcare. 

India’s state and central governments are consistently on the lookout for people who can bring innovative ideas and evidence-based approaches to the table. Government public policy officials often collaborate with multidisciplinary experts such as social scientists, economists, environmentalists, and legal experts. Government employment provides lots of job opportunities — from environmental policy to social welfare, international relations, and economic management.

Research and Development

Research is the backbone of public policy. Effective public policies are deeply rooted in research and evidence. A huge amount of research and development has been done by national and international organisations in India. Institutes and think tanks all over India have positions where you’ll be expected to undertake intensive studies and research, analyse data, and write reports that would finally inform the decision-makers on policy decisions. 

Teaching

If you have a passion for teaching, you must consider a career teaching public policy. Indian universities and institutes have many courses on public policy, hence increasing the demand for teachers who can train the next batch of policy professionals. In this growing space, you can become a lecturer or professor, giving you a say and the ability to direct students who will go on to shape the country’s future. 

Public Policy and Management

India’s large companies are placing a heavy emphasis on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The government has laid out the framework and rules to guide a company’s CSR activities. Those at the top of the corporate management ladder, have to create a CSR policy within the rules while creating an impact on society. You now have a chance to work in the private sector while helping out society through trending roles in CSR. 

Global Opportunities

Internationally, a career in public policy can open doors to working with prestigious organisations like the United Nations, World Bank, and IMF, as well as NGOs such as Amnesty International or Oxfam. You might also get opportunities with global consulting firms like McKinsey & Company or international think tanks like the Brookings Institution and RAND Corporation. In these roles, you’ll tackle more global challenges like climate change, human rights, and economic development.

Educational Pathways for a Career in Public Policy

Specialised education in public policy is a strong foundation for building a career in this field. However, at the undergrad level, you may pursue a degree in any discipline, but studying subjects like economics, business studies, or political science can provide a helpful background. When it comes to specialisation in this field, various top universities and institutes in India have comprehensive Master’s and Doctoral programmes. These courses give you both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills for a successful career in public policy.

Some of the institutions known to have good programmes in public policy include Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), OP Jindal Global University, IIT Delhi, and IIM Bangalore, among others. Their specialised programmes expose you to courses that span economic policy to international relations, making your education comprehensive enough to be ready for the diversity of challenges that will come with working in public policy.

Let Mentoria Help You Build Your Career

A career in public policy in India is a road toward leading change. The expertise you develop will make you a key player across industries — be it in government, research, or academia. However, before you commit to this path, it’s important to make sure it is in line with your interests, personality, and abilities. Mentoria is here to help with this. Check out our psychometric assessment, created by leading psychologists and psychometricians from DRDO, IIT Delhi, Fergusson College, and Jamia Millia University to learn more about yourself.