Policy Career Guides

NSF is an independent federal agency that advances US science and engineering progress through competitive research grants, partnerships, education, and workforce development. NSF investments drive developments across AI, biosecurity, and other emerging technologies. --- Outline: (00:10) Overview (02:01) Background on NSF (03:54) Organizational structure (05:49) NSF and AI policy (06:50) AI-relate...

Entering a policy career can be particularly challenging for individuals from traditionally underrepresented groups. This post highlights relevant resources, career opportunities, and advice. --- Outline: (00:32) Networking and mentorship (02:33) Professional opportunities and landing a job (04:03) Internships and fellowships (04:22) Recommended resources --- If you’re interested in pursuing a car...

Some non-Americans wonder whether they’re eligible for public policy work in the US. This post provides information on the main immigration categories and explains the challenges and opportunities facing foreign nationals. --- Outline: (01:00) Summary (02:57) Policy work by immigration status (03:33) Types of policy work by immigration status (05:22) Immigration category details (06:38) Student vi...

CDC’s mission is to protect America from health, safety, and security threats, both foreign and domestic. It provides public health expertise, conducts research, and plays a central role in biosecurity. --- Outline: (00:10) Executive branch (00:24) Federal agency profiles (00:41) Executive branch AI policy overview (00:59) Executive branch biosecurity policy overview (01:17) ARPAs \[AI+bio\] (01:3...

NEC and DPC advise the president and coordinate policymaking processes for economic and domestic issues. Both have supported the development and implementation of major AI or biosecurity policy initiatives. --- Outline: (00:12) Overview (01:09) Background on NEC and DPC (02:43) Organizational structure (03:12) Council members (04:30) Council staff (06:18) Activities (09:06) The honest brokers (12:...

Think tanks are useful launching pads for careers in public service. This article explains how think tank work can allow you to contribute to policy change and enhance your professional development. --- Outline: (00:12) About this guide (01:57) Key takeaways (03:06) Focus on DC think tanks (04:03) Why might you (not) want to work at a DC think tank? (05:05) Contributing to policy change (08:05) Li...

The military departments—Army, Navy, and Air Force—organize, train, and equip the US armed forces. They play central roles in AI and biosecurity through large-scale R&D programs, operational testing, and technology adoption for national defense. --- Outline: (00:10) Overview (01:28) Organization (04:03) Military departments and emerging technology (05:52) AI R&D and deployment (06:35) Bio R&am...

TechCongress offers 10-12 month bipartisan full-time congressional fellowships for early- to mid-career professionals with technical experience. No prior policy experience is required. --- Outline: (00:10) What are policy fellowships? (02:26) Tips for a successful fellowship --- If you’re interested in pursuing a career in emerging technology policy, complete our Policy Career Interest Form , and...

Learn how to publish short, policy-relevant pieces in public outlets—including how to choose your topic, article type, and outlet. Publishing articles can help you shape policy debates, build your credentials and reputation, and strengthen your public engagement skills. --- Outline: (00:10) Overview (00:39) Why publish in policy outlets? (02:43) Types of articles and policy outlets (02:58) Types o...

Learn how to create and adapt your personal “pitch” in policy settings, from happy hours to informational interviews. Your pitch tells your professional story—your background, motivations, and interests—and is a key part of effective networking. --- Outline: (00:33) Why do you need a pitch? (01:34) Crafting your pitch (03:20) Example pitches (06:22) Tips for your pitch (10:40) Preparing for follow...

Learn how to create and adapt your personal “pitch” in policy settings, from happy hours to informational interviews. Your pitch tells your professional story—your background, motivations, and interests—and is a key part of effective networking. --- Outline: (00:33) Why do you need a pitch? (01:35) Crafting your pitch (03:21) Example pitches (06:23) Tips for your pitch (10:29) Preparing for follow...

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is the nation's cyber defense agency and national coordinator for critical infrastructure security and resilience. --- Outline: (00:12) Overview (01:33) Background on CISA (03:00) Organizational structure (05:19) CISA and AI policy (06:21) Recent AI-related developments at CISA (08:44) CISA offices working on AI policy (09:02) Working at...

Learn how to publish short, policy-relevant pieces in public outlets—including how to choose your topic, article type, and outlet. Publishing articles can help you shape policy debates, build your credentials and reputation, and strengthen your public engagement skills. --- Outline: (00:10) Overview (00:40) Why publish in policy outlets? (02:14) An alternative: Starting your own platform (03:37) A...

BIS is the lead agency tasked with administering and enforcing export controls on dual-use items and technology. BIS has become increasingly central to the US government’s AI and biosecurity policy efforts. --- Outline: (00:10) Overview (01:49) Background on BIS (03:27) History and activities (06:51) Organizational structure (07:48) BIS and AI policy (09:42) Major AI-related developments at BIS (1...

This profile focuses on the civilian activities of the Department of Defense (DOD) under the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) and how they relate to AI and biosecurity. --- Outline: (00:10) Introduction (02:33) OSD and AI policy (05:52) AI-relevant offices within OSD (06:12) OSD and biosecurity policy (08:24) Biosecurity-relevant offices within OSD (08:44) Further reading --- If you’re int...

Passing a background check and receiving clearance is among the biggest barriers to federal employment. This can make holding an active clearance (or being eligible for one) one of the most valuable assets for advancing your federal career. --- Outline: (01:13) Levels of background checks and security clearances (04:24) What's the process for getting a security clearance? (07:56) What roles do you...

Passing a background check and receiving clearance is among the biggest barriers to federal employment. This can make holding an active clearance (or being eligible for one) one of the most valuable assets for advancing your federal career. --- Outline: (01:12) Levels of background checks and security clearances (04:23) What's the process for getting a security clearance? (07:55) What roles do you...

NNSA maintains and secures the US nuclear weapons stockpile, works to prevent nuclear proliferation and terrorism, powers the US Navy through nuclear propulsion, and responds to nuclear and radiological emergencies domestically and abroad. --- Outline: (00:10) Overview (01:22) Background on NNSA (02:40) Organizational structure (04:28) NNSA and AI policy (06:08) Recent AI developments at NNSA (08:...

Passing a background check and receiving clearance is among the biggest barriers to federal employment. This can make holding an active clearance (or being eligible for one) one of the most valuable assets for advancing your federal career. --- Outline: (01:12) Levels of background checks and security clearances (04:24) What's the process for getting a security clearance? (07:54) What roles do you...

We generally advise against pursuing a PhD for policy work. This guide explains why, gives exceptions to this advice, and offers strategies for optimizing a PhD program for policy work. --- Outline: (01:22) Why we typically advise against PhDs (02:54) The high opportunity cost of PhD programs (05:14) PhDs are optimized for academic careers, not policy careers (06:59) When a PhD makes sense for pol...

We generally advise against pursuing a PhD for policy work. This guide explains why, gives exceptions to this advice, and offers strategies for optimizing a PhD program for policy work. --- Outline: (01:21) Why we typically advise against PhDs (02:54) The high opportunity cost of PhD programs (05:12) PhDs are optimized for academic careers, not policy careers (06:58) When a PhD makes sense for pol...

DOE oversees energy policy, scientific research, and the nuclear arsenal, being the largest US government funder of physical science research. It significantly contributes to science and technology development and policy, including AI and biosecurity, particularly via its national labs. --- Outline: (00:10) Overview (01:50) Background on DOE (03:55) Organizational structure (06:14) DOE and AI poli...

We generally advise against pursuing a PhD for policy work. This guide explains why, gives exceptions to this advice, and offers strategies for optimizing a PhD program for policy work. --- Outline: (01:21) Why we typically advise against PhDs (02:53) The high opportunity cost of PhD programs (05:11) PhDs are optimized for academic careers, not policy careers (06:57) When a PhD makes sense for pol...

ARPAs are specialized R&D funding entities designed to accelerate technological breakthroughs across national defense, intelligence, energy, and health. --- Outline: (00:11) Overview (02:40) Organization (04:48) The ARPA model (10:45) Personal fit: Why (not) work at an ARPA (11:01) Advantages (12:45) Disadvantages (15:20) The ARPAs and emerging technology R&D (15:56) Defense Advanced Research...

HHS plays a crucial role in healthcare, public health, medical research, and social services. It's responsible for preparing for and responding to biological threats, including via CDC, ASPR, NIH, and FDA. --- Outline: (00:25) Overview (02:04) Background on HHS (03:37) HHS and biosecurity policy (05:09) 2022. National Biodefense Strategy and Implementation Plan (05:47) Major recent biosecurity-rel...