Are you interested in gaining policy experience but unsure of how to take the first step? Many undergraduate and graduate students are interested in how their training and research experience can be applied to settings outside of academia, including the policy arena. However, the process of gaining applicable and quality experience can be elusive. At the academic level, much of the training in public policy occurs within majors or graduate programs that specifically focus on this area (for example, a bachelor’s degree in political science, or a master’s degree in public policy). While pursuing this educational training is certainly an option, others may wish to pursue a psychology degree, while concurrently learning how to leverage that educational training to shape public policy.
Five ways to gain policy experience
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Classes: While your major or degree program may focus on psychology, it is possible to also take (or audit) classes relevant to public policy. Check to see if your university has a policy relevant degree program, and look at the course offerings to see what peaks your interest. Many programs will offer classes relevant to health or social science policy. In addition, some universities offer family policy or social policy graduate certificates in their political science or sociology departments.
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Mentorship: Seeking a mentor that has expertise in the public policy arena can be another way to gain experience and understanding. This might be an academic mentor who collaborates with public policy professionals to translate their research, or a policy mentor who works within the government. Div. 37 offers a mentorship program that matches students with professionals in the field of child and family policy and practice. This is a great opportunity to learn from and network with an established professional with a similar career trajectory.
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Workshops/trainings: Another way to expand your knowledge on translating psychology research to policy is to attend a workshop or training. These opportunities can range from a one-hour webinar, to a few day in-person training. Various organizations put on policy-specific webinars that are held regularly and are often free for students and professionals (e.g., University-Based Child and Family Policy Consortium, Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues (SPSSI)). In addition, students can attend conferences that encourage interdisciplinary collaboration with policymakers. Some examples include the Society for Research in Child Development, Society for Implementation Research Collaboration and the National Research Conference on Early Childhood, just to name a few. Some of these conferences may even offer policy-specific trainings, such as SRCD’s policy pre-conference workshop. In past years, Div. 37’s Section on Child Maltreatment has also hosted a policy training. Keep your eye out for future trainings and other policy-related opportunities on the section’s website and listserv!
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Internships: At both the undergraduate and graduate level, internships are a great way to bolster experience in an area that you are looking to build expertise. There are a number of internship opportunities relevant to public policy. Some of these are university specific, while many others invite students from across the state or country to apply. Students can also contact their local government offices (e.g., state senator) to inquire about internship opportunities. The APA office in Washington, D.C., also offers internships within the Government Relations Offices of the various directorates (e.g., Public Interest, Education, Science and Practice). To learn more about these internship opportunities and to apply, follow this link. Other policy-relevant research think tanks (e.g., Urban Institute, RAND Corporation) also offer summer internship programs for both undergraduate and graduate students.
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Fellowships: Graduate Students who are interested in pursuing careers in public policy might find it advantageous to seek a fellowship, predoctoral and/or postdoctoral, dedicated to integrating research and policy. One exemplary opportunity is the Research-to-Policy Collaboration (RPC). RPC fellows gain hands-on experience and skills needed to translate research for, and communicate with, federal policymakers. More information about this opportunity can be found hereopens in new window. Finally, doctoral graduates serious about pursuing a career that integrates psychological research and policy should consider applying for the AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellowship (STPF). This program affords fellows the opportunity to gain policy experience within the congressional or executive branches of government. There are also select partner societies that support AAAS fellows in areas specific to psychological research (e.g., APA, SRCD and SPSSI). For more information regarding the AAAS fellowship, visit the AAAS websiteopens in new window.