HOW TO BECOME A PUBLIC POLICY ADVOCATE?

To become a Public Policy Advocate, you need to start by determining if a career in this field is right for you. If you are interested in a career that utilizes your persuasive abilities and your research skills, then a career as a Public Policy Advocate might be a great choice for you.

Education Needed

Many entry-level jobs with organisations that hire Public Policy Advocates typically require applicants to have at minimum a bachelor degree in a relevant field such as political science, communications, economics, law or public relations. To succeed as a Public Policy Advocate, it is necessary to have skills and knowledge in areas such as communications, as well as the functioning of the political and legislative system. Coursework may provide instruction on the legislative process, as well as how Public Policy Advocates participate in the creation of rules and regulations. The Association of Accredited Public Policy Advocates to the European Union (AALEP) offers a Certificate Programme that can greatly improve a new Public Policy Advocate’s understanding of the public policy advocacy process. The Professional Public Policy Advocacy Certificate covers all aspects of the profession, including necessary background, methods of networking, knowledge of regulations and training in best practices.

Job Description

Public Policy Advocates (also known as Government Relations Specialists) are responsible for developing and communicating the views of an organization to external stakeholders, such as trade associations, government agencies or legislative bodies. They must fully understand the policy initiatives in order to form a proper public policy advocacy strategy to promote the interests of the organization they represent, and utilize their refined communication skills to persuade legislators/lawmakers to vote on public policy in favour of their clients’ interests. Public Policy Advocates communicate with government representatives, officials and legislators on behalf of clients and causes. They   represent a variety of entities, including individuals, companies, foundations, charities and local governments. They might attempt to persuade government officials through direct contact or by organizing grassroots efforts that encourage citizens to communicate with their elected officials about selected topics.

Job Duties

• Gain thorough understanding of clients’ interests as they relate to active legislation
• Use strong communications skills to reinforce and support clients’ positions on specified issues
• Maintain knowledge of other interest groups that hold a similar position to that of the clients’
• Prepare press releases and other informational literature
• May present the client at news conferences and in other forms of media
• Respond to regulatory inquiries and testifying at public hearings.

Who hires Public Policy Advocates ?

There are many employers that are interested in utilizing the skills and knowledge of Public Policy Advocates in order to promote and represent their cause. Below is an example of the types of employers that hire Public Policy Advocates.

• Public and private corporations
• Public Relations firms
• Consulting firms
• Law firms
• Federal, provincial and municipal governments
• Professional organisations and trade associations
• Health authorities
• Educational institutions
• Financial institutions
• Political and social organisations
• Industry organisations
• Scientific and research organisations

How to get an Entry-Level Job in Public Policy Advocacy

Most of those who become lobbyists begin their careers with volunteer or internship work on political campaigns for elected officials, or as legislative staff in legislatures or in governmental agencies as students or new graduates. Interns can gain real-world experience, which is required by many employers, while learning how to actively advocate and influence politicians. Exposure to the government network of Public Policy Advocates and politicians provides students with opportunities to make professional contacts that could lead to a career in public policy advocacy once the internship is completed. Success as a Public Policy Advocate often depends on networking effectively and knowing the right people. Even low-ranking jobs in government organizations at all levels can be very helpful for gaining the professional contacts necessary to become successful in this field.

With this experience, prospective Public Policy Advocates can often move to the mid-level of organisations. Without this experience, prospective Public Policy Advocates typically enter in public policy advocacy via roles in research or in roles that support more senior staff.

Networking

Career longevity for Public Policy Advocates is heavily dependent upon networking with legislators, policymakers, and other colleagues. By attending conferences, roundtables, and additional events, Public Policy Advocates  create connections that could advance the position of their legislation, and they may learn invaluable pieces of advice. Acquiring a large pool of contacts can not only ensure job security for Public Policy Advocates, but also gain them invaluable qualities, like influence and trust, which could propel their careers to the next level.

Licensing Requirements

There are no licensing or certification requirements to become a Public Policy Advocate.

Working Conditions

Public Policy Advocates typically work in an office setting with other members of their team. They spend a great deal of time performing research related to current and pending legislation, meeting with team members, reading industry publications and blogs, as well as composing presentations. They may travel to locations in close proximity to make speeches, give presentations, recruit new members or meet with government contacts and legislators.

Public Policy Advocates typically work anywhere from 40 to 80 hours per week. In certain circumstances, such as if there is an important proposal coming up for a vote, they may work very long hours.

Career Advancement

Since one needs refined communications skills and detailed working knowledge of the political system in order to become a Public Policy Advocate, it is often considered a mid-career position. There are, however, opportunities for Public Policy Advocates to pursue other career options as a result of their skill set and competencies. It is not uncommon for Public Policy Advocates to become legislators or legislative aides. Former Public Policy Advocates also pursue careers as communications or public relations advisors, executives or consultants.

Skills Needed

It takes a very unique and highly refined skills set to become a Public Policy Advocate. Successful Public Policy Advocates possess a vast array of communications and public relations skills, as well as an expert knowledge base in their chosen field. Some of the examples of these skills include:

• Ability to create persuasive arguments
• Excellent negotiation skills
• Should be extroverted and inclined to networking
• A strong understanding of the political and legislative process
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills
• Willingness to work long hours.