Stay ConnectedActionable, expert advice on policy careers in AI, biosecurity, and emerging technologies. Learn how to break into US policy, where you can make a difference, and strategies to advance your career.
Narrations of emergingtechpolicy.org guides by the Horizon Institute for Public Service.
Copyright: © 2025 All rights reserved
This page focuses on how to find and apply for full-time positions in public service, highlighting job boards and relevant resources, outlining common career paths, listing policy opportunities, and explaining how to narrow down your options.
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Outline:
(00:33) Relevant resources
(01:51) Job boards
(03:51) Common career paths
(06:51) Where to apply?
(06:54) Policy opportunities in Washington DC
(09:04) Policy opportunities outside of Washington DC
(11:31) Narrowing down your options
(15:30) Networking matters for finding and getting jobs
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If you’re interested in pursuing a career in emerging technology policy, complete our Policy Career Interest Form, and we may be able to match you with opportunities suited to your background and interests.
The original text contained 1 footnote which was omitted from this narration.
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Last updated:
February 7th, 2025
Source:
https://emergingtechpolicy.org/pathways/full-time-roles
VSFS facilitates part-time, remote semester internships with federal agencies for current students.
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Outline:
(00:32) Summary
(02:11) Who is eligible?
(03:02) Why is this an exciting opportunity?
(03:06) A wide variety of government agencies participate in VSFS
(03:59) No previous government experience is required
(04:22) The program is very flexible
(04:40) The experience can be useful for future applications
(06:13) Why the VSFS might be a bad fit for you
(07:23) What does participating in this program entail?
(07:27) A personal example
(09:12) General advice during the program
(10:22) Application overview
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If you’re interested in pursuing a career in emerging technology policy, complete our Policy Career Interest Form, and we may be able to match you with opportunities suited to your background and interests.
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Last updated:
February 3rd, 2025
Source:
https://emergingtechpolicy.org/pathways/policy-internships/vsfs
Many schools offer semester in DC programs providing support for internship applications, academic credit, funding, accommodation, and networking opportunities.
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Outline:
(01:31) Why apply for a policy internship?
(01:59) Credentials
(02:54) Networking
(05:38) Learning
(06:42) Testing fit
(08:31) A note on partisan affiliation
(08:52) How to apply
(10:54) Where to apply (general internship categories)
(10:59) Internship categories in Washington DC
(15:07) Internship categories outside of Washington DC
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If you’re interested in pursuing a career in emerging technology policy, complete our Policy Career Interest Form, and we may be able to match you with opportunities suited to your background and interests.
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Last updated:
April 11th, 2024
Source:
https://emergingtechpolicy.org/pathways/policy-internships
Many schools offer semester in DC programs providing support for internship applications, academic credit, funding, accommodation, and networking opportunities.
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Outline:
(00:41) What are semester in DC programs?
(01:01) Benefits
(02:59) Costs
(03:30) Timing
(04:02) Applications and eligibility
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If you’re interested in pursuing a career in emerging technology policy, complete our Policy Career Interest Form, and we may be able to match you with opportunities suited to your background and interests.
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Last updated:
March 27th, 2024
Source:
https://emergingtechpolicy.org/pathways/policy-internships/semester-in-dc-programs
This article outlines the application process for policy master’s degrees and provides tips to strengthen the different components of your application.
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Outline:
(00:27) Summary
(01:18) Application timelines
(02:38) Application prerequisites
(03:49) Qualitative application components
(04:21) Resume
(05:12) Statement of purpose and other essays
(07:50) Letters of recommendation
(10:26) Quantitative application components
(10:52) GPA
(13:43) Standardized tests (GRE, GMAT)
(18:19) English proficiency exams for international students
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If you’re interested in pursuing a career in emerging technology policy, complete our Policy Career Interest Form, and we may be able to match you with opportunities suited to your background and interests.
The original text contained 15 footnotes which were omitted from this narration.
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Last updated:
April 11th, 2024
Source:
https://emergingtechpolicy.org/pathways/graduate-school/policy-masters/3-how-to-apply
Policy careers are highly network-driven. Networking is a learnable skill and developing a strong network helps you get valuable advice, hear of relevant job openings, be successful when you apply, and have an impact on the job.
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Outline:
(00:09) Tips and resources
(00:25) Networking in policy
(00:43) Policy skills
(00:59) Security clearances
(01:15) Partisan affiliation
(01:32) Policy resumes
(01:48) Policy cover letters
(02:01) Career profiles
(02:15) Policy career resources
(02:33) Using LinkedIn for policy roles
(02:45) How to pitch yourself in policy contexts
(02:57) Publishing in policy outlets
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If you’re interested in pursuing a career in emerging technology policy, complete our Policy Career Interest Form, and we may be able to match you with opportunities suited to your background and interests.
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First published:
October 4th, 2023
Policy careers are highly network-driven. Networking is a learnable skill and developing a strong network helps you get valuable advice, hear of relevant job openings, be successful when you apply, and have an impact on the job.
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Outline:
(00:10) Why networking matters
(02:03) The networking mindset
(03:58) How to start building a DC policy network
(08:45) Preparing for networking conversations
(12:47) Connecting with senior professionals
(13:54) Maintaining professional connections
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If you’re interested in pursuing a career in emerging technology policy, complete our Policy Career Interest Form, and we may be able to match you with opportunities suited to your background and interests.
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Last updated:
March 27th, 2024
Policy work requires a diverse set of skills, depending on the specific role. This article explains which skills and traits are most essential for success in policy careers, and how to develop them.
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Outline:
(01:04) Essential skills for policy work
(01:29) Writing
(02:52) Networking and social skills
(03:38) Research skills
(04:29) Public speaking
(04:59) Language skills
(05:27) Technical skills and knowledge
(06:34) Learning how to learn
(07:15) Further resources
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If you’re interested in pursuing a career in emerging technology policy, complete our Policy Career Interest Form, and we may be able to match you with opportunities suited to your background and interests.
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Last updated:
January 17th, 2024
Government jobs typically require a security clearance, especially in national security. This article provides advice on how to improve your chances and speed up the future clearance process.
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Outline:
(01:11) Levels of background checks and security clearances
(04:23) What's the process for getting a security clearance?
(07:56) What roles do you need a security clearance for?
(08:35) What can disqualify you (and how to mitigate it)
(23:26) Security clearance tips
(26:02) FAQ
(26:19) Further resources
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If you’re interested in pursuing a career in emerging technology policy, complete our Policy Career Interest Form, and we may be able to match you with opportunities suited to your background and interests.
The original text contained 5 footnotes which were omitted from this narration.
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Last updated:
November 11th, 2025
Source:
https://emergingtechpolicy.org/tips/security-clearance
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Entering a policy career can be particularly challenging for individuals from traditionally underrepresented groups. This post highlights relevant resources, career opportunities, and advice.
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Outline:
(00:32) Networking and mentorship
(02:33) Professional opportunities and landing a job
(04:03) Internships and fellowships
(04:22) Recommended resources
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If you’re interested in pursuing a career in emerging technology policy, complete our Policy Career Interest Form, and we may be able to match you with opportunities suited to your background and interests.
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Last updated:
December 16th, 2024
Source:
https://emergingtechpolicy.org/pathways/advice-for-underrepresented-groups
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