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:
- Brookings Institute
- Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
- Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)
- Council on Foreign Relations (CFR)
- The Wilson Center
- CATO Institute
- RAND Corporation
- Heritage Foundation
- Center for American Progress
- National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)
- Pew Research Center
- American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research(AEI)
- Center for a New American Security (CNAS)
- Peterson Institute for International Economics (PIIE)
- World Resources Institute (WRI)
- Atlantic Council
- Urban Institute
- James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy
- Hoover Institution
- Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs
- Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs
- United States Institute of Peace (USIP)
- Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP)
- Stimson Center
- Center for International Development (CID)
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.
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