Policy & Think Tanks

Think Tanks and Careers in Public Policy

Think tanks, which include research centers and policy institutes, are organizations that conduct research to support the creation and evolution of public policy.

Areas of Research

Think tanks may focus on one particular issue or a combination of them. Areas of research include social policy, political strategy, economics, and industrial/business policy. Financial support for these organizations comes from several sources, including government entities, advocacy organizations, and private businesses.

Considerations

Students interested in policy research should consider issues of interest, level of direct activism by the think tank, the organization’s relationship with the government, and the student’s role within the organization. An entry-level professional in this field will most likely conduct supportive qualitative or quantitative research for a larger group initiative within the think tank. Research experience at Yale, particularly independent research projects, and an extensive knowledge base regarding specific public issues can make an applicant more marketable for research positions.

Internships and Post-Graduate Employment

Explore internship and full-time opportunities at various Think Tanks and Research Institutes. This article provides some initial considerations for students who are thinking about interning with a Think Tank. Below are direct links to various Think Tanks and Research Institutes:

Public Service: Engaging Responsibly

For those interested in public service work, whether that be through structured internship programs, post-graduate employment, community service, or volunteer work, it’s important to think about what responsible engagement looks like.

Review this page on Planning Public Service Projects to learn more about what responsible engagement looks like and how you can develop a plan that aligns well for you and the community you are hoping to serve.

Effective Altruism: Resources to Turn Good Intentions to Greater Impact

If you are looking for insights and internship/post-grad opportunities to do more for the common good, check out the resources provided by Effective Altruism.

For further information, subscribe to their newsletter, follow them through social media such as LinkedIn, and …

By Jorimel Zaldivar
Jorimel Zaldivar Senior Associate Director for Common Good Careers
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Now Available! Resume Reviews and More in Your Residential College – Offered Every Week by the Marketing Outreach Coordinators

The OCS and Fellowships Marketing Outreach Coordinators have office hours in every single Residential College every week! Stop by to get your resume reviewed, ask about Fellowships, and more! No appointment needed.

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Community Security Initiative

The Community Security Initiative (CSI) is responsible for the safety and security of New York’s Jewish community. The Intelligence & Analysis Desk monitors, detects, and investigates threats using open-source resources to disrupt incidents before they occur, often working with local …

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Lori Ferrara Senior Administrative Assistant
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Resources

Student Veterans of America

Student Veterans of America® (SVA) is the premier organization leading service, research, programs, and advocacy for veterans in higher education.  

Through a network …

How to Navigate Federal Careers: Understanding USAJOBS, Security Clearances & More, presented by the Partnership for Public Service

How to Navigate Federal Careers: Understanding USAJOBS, Security Clearances & More, presented by the Partnership for Public Service

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Mastering the Federal Resume: Your Key to Government Career Success, presented by the Partnership for Public Service

Mastering the Federal Resume: Your Key to Government Career Success, presented by the Partnership for Public Service

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YC Career Outcomes

The Office of Career Strategy collects information about Yale College graduates. This tool allows users to search outcomes by year and major. Please visit Statistics & Reports for more information on our data collection.

  • First Destination summaries are based on the Knowledge Rate of graduate outcomes six months after graduation according to National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) guidelines.
  • Knowledge Rate, defined by NACE, includes direct survey responses and basic employment or graduate school information collected through other sources, such as faculty, academic advisors, or LinkedIn. Yale’s information below on Starting Salary and Time of Year Offer Received is based only on direct survey responses.

Helpful Tips for the Interactive Tool:

  • There is no Enter or Submit Button; results will appear automatically
  • The default is ‘All Years’ or ‘All Majors.’ Choose specific years or majors for more granular results. Uncheck the selected major(s) to reset your search.
  • The tool returns results with at least five responses. For small majors, choose ‘All Years’ to show results
  • To ensure confidentiality, results are reported in the aggregate
  • If you require additional information contact the Office of Career Strategy

Most Recent Class Overview: Class of 2025

Knowledge Rate Employed or in Graduate School Mean Starting Salary Top Five Industries
90.7% of those graduating between July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025.

  • Survey Responses: 1,458 (85.4%)
  • Confirmed through LinkedIn or other sources: 249 (14.6%)
 95.3% employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation $94,028 among graduates employed full-time in the United States Financial Services, Education, Technology, Consulting, and Healthcare

 

  • First Destination
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  • Time of Year Offer Received
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  • First Destination Locations
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First Destination

First Destination refers to the postgraduate plans of Yale College graduates six months after graduation. The pursuits of Yale graduates include employment, graduate school, independent research, military service, and more.

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