How to start a career in public policy

Many people want to make a difference in the world around them. Some want to create real, lasting change for the better in their local communities. Others want to make society as a whole fairer and more inclusive.

Still, others want to ensure that policymakers listen to the voices of those who’ve historically been marginalised and underrepresented.

Regardless of your motivation for creating change, the drive to make things better is only the first step. Determining the next best move – and the one after that – can be difficult.

Figuring out how to start a career in public policy can be challenging. However, studying for a Master of Public Policy can help you figure out the best way forward for your individual ambitions.

Beyond simply helping you to get a job in policymaking, it can help you to actively create opportunities, open new doors and unlock higher earning potential.

Perhaps your goal is to take the next career step – to identify how to access a senior position in policy work. Maybe you’re looking for a new challenge in your existing role with the goal of influencing public policy. There is a wide range of careers in public policy and it’s important to explore various options.

This guide will provide you with the information you need to make the right decision for your career.

5 careers in public policy to consider

After completing the online Master of Public Policy at the University of Canberra, you can pursue a number of career paths. The master’s degree will equip you for roles in the government, private, intelligence and social sectors, and deliver skills that can be applied to all stages of public policy.

When considering career opportunities in public policy, it’s important to know what options are available and to consider the salaries these opportunities offer. Below are just some of the options available.

Director of public policy

Typically, a director of public policy shapes and advocates for government policies that align with an organisation’s mission and objectives. Their responsibilities include conducting research and analysing policy issues, developing strategic plans as well as engaging with government officials, legislators and stakeholders.

To succeed in this role, you’ll need a strong background in public policy, excellent communication skills and experience in legislative processes.

Median salary: According to Payscale, the median pay for a director of public policy in Australia in 2023 is about $134,000.

Policy adviser

Policy advisers support the development and implementation of policies that align with an organisation’s goals, including researching and analysing policy issues, drafting policy documents and conferring with senior staff.

This position also involves engaging with stakeholders, preparing briefing papers and assisting in the formulation of strategic policy positions.

If you’re interested in this type of role, you’ll need strong analytical and communication skills, a good understanding of government processes and experience in policy analysis.

Median salary: According to Payscale, the median pay for a policy adviser in Australia in 2024 is about $76,000.

Director of strategy and governance 

Directors of strategy and governance lead the development and implementation of strategic initiatives and governance frameworks, including setting long-term goals, aligning business strategies with organisational objectives, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. 

Other responsibilities include overseeing board relations, managing cross-functional projects and providing expert advice to senior leadership on governance and strategy issues. 

To be awarded this type of role, you’ll need a strong background in strategic planning, corporate governance and risk management. Effective communication and leadership skills are essential.

Median salary: According to Payscale, the median pay for a director of strategy in Australia in 2024 is about $154,000.

Policy lead 

Policy leads oversee the development and execution of key policy initiatives. To do this, they typically lead a team of policy advisers, conducting thorough research and analysis, and creating policy recommendations. 

Their responsibilities also include representing the organisation in public forums and providing strategic advice to senior management.

For this role, you’ll need extensive experience in policy development, strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of legislative and regulatory processes. 

Median salary: According to Talent.com, the median base salary for policy leads in Australia in 2024 is about $121,000.

Policy and research manager

Policy and research managers lead teams in developing evidence-based policies and conducting in-depth research to support organisational objectives. 

Their key responsibilities include overseeing policy analysis, managing research projects and providing strategic advice to senior leadership. They also collaborate with stakeholders, prepare reports and ensure that research findings inform policy decisions and advocacy efforts.

To succeed, you’ll need strong analytical skills, experience in policy development and expertise in research methodologies. 

Median salary: According to Talent.com, the median pay for policy and research managers in Australia in 2024 is around $131,000.

Is a career in public policy right for me?

Public policy is embedded in our everyday life. It affects everything from the health of our communities to our lived experiences of the world. It shapes the education we provide for our younger generations, the support we provide for our older people and so much more. 

In a world that’s constantly changing, we need passionate, caring people to ensure that the policymaking world changes with it. 

Developing effective public policies is about creating lasting positive impacts in the world around you. However, being able to influence real change requires practical skills like listening to the people involved. Prioritising public needs and interests takes practical skills and a commitment to fairness. 

If this is something you want to be part of, you need to ensure that you can research, evaluate, design and change policies, which a Master of Public Policy will help you achieve.

Here are three reasons why a Master of Public Policy may be right for you.

You want to make a difference

Studying a Master of Public Policy will help give you the power and platform to enact change in whichever areas you’re passionate about. The communication skills you’ll learn as part of the course will help you to influence a diverse range of stakeholders who can help bring your policymaking goals to fruition.

Ultimately, this will help you do one of the things that can be most fulfilling in a career and in life: make a difference. 

You want to upskill and take the next step in your career

If you’re wondering how to work in public policy, it’s important to remember that public policy is a complex area that requires considerable knowledge and expertise. If you decide that a career in public policy is right for you, you’ll need to upskill. 

The right qualification will help you solidify your current professional experience and expand your knowledge of policymaking. It will also help you diversify your skill set, ensuring that your practical skills – research, report writing, briefing and stakeholder management – are top-notch.

A Master of Public Policy ensures that you have the skills you need to further develop in the ever-changing world of policy work. 

You can create a network to develop your skills

If you decide to study public policy, you’re choosing a career that will help you make change in a meaningful way. In a rapidly evolving world, there’s strength in numbers – and you need industry connections to create a powerful network that helps you to enact that change.

Studying at the University of Canberra gives you access to leading policy practitioners with decades of knowledge to help you develop your skills and find your voice. More than that, it connects you with like-minded people who are equally passionate about making a difference, as well as those with close ties to the policymaking community.

How to start a career in public policy

If you’re interested in how to start a career in public policy, consider the potential pathways below.

Complete an undergraduate degree

First, obtain a relevant undergraduate degree in a field such as political science, economics or public administration. 

Already have an undergraduate degree in a different discipline? You might consider a postgraduate degree. Many postgraduate degrees, such as the University of Canberra’s online Master of Public Policy, are open to students who have completed a bachelor’s degree in any discipline.

Gain practical experience

Pursue hands-on experience through internships or entry-level roles in government agencies, non-governmental organisations or think tanks. Networking is crucial, and it’s important to attend industry events and connect with professionals in the field.

Pursue a Master of Public Policy

To truly kick-start your career in public policy, enrol in a Master of Public Policy course. Here, you’ll develop strong analytical, research and communication skills. Online masters offer the opportunity to advance your education and prepare for senior positions while maintaining your professional and family obligations. 

What to expect from a Master of Public Policy

The University of Canberra’s online Master of Public Policy degree is designed for professionals in or aiming to work in the government, non-profit, health, social and intelligence sectors. As you progress through the course, you’ll develop core competencies in: 

• research
• report writing
• briefings
• policy planning 
• stakeholder management.

At the same time, you’ll also hone skills in data analytics, fundamental economic modelling and policy evaluation. By the time you graduate, you’ll be able to synthesise complex information and apply it to real-life challenges in policymaking and evaluation. 

Ready to start your career in public policy?

Public policy is a fulfilling career in which you can make change and a lasting impact. If you’re ready to put the public at the heart of public policy, step up to an online Master of Public Policy with the University of Canberra.

Our student enrolment advisers are ready to help you with all your course and enrolment queries. You can:

• book a call with a Student Enrolment Adviser at a time that suits you
• phone 1300 471 770
• email us at future-student@studyonline.canberra.edu.au