Overview
The first thing to consider when working for a think tank is what issue is most important to you. There are think tanks that deal with issues both politically and socially. Some think tanks take a more active role with the issues they are researching while others may be less advocacy oriented. Also important is the level of interaction the think tank has with the Government and its policies. The level of direct activism effects the type of job responsibilities you may have, as does the size and structure of the organization.
The job responsibilities can be very varied, but usually focus on research. An entry-level job or internship in this field will most likely have you working in a team of researchers with either quantitative or qualitative data. This could also include some independent work organizing data gathered by colleagues. Job responsibilities and day-to-day work varies greatly depending on the size of the organization and what their political or social affiliations are. Skills that are greatly valued in this field are experience with collecting and organizing data, research and teamwork. Like in all other fields, internship experience will greatly help you market yourself after graduation.
Getting Started
Similar to jobs in politics, these organizations get many inquires. Follow up can make the difference so be sure to stay in touch even if they don't have a specific opening at that time. Having your name in their minds when one does open can give you a great edge. Some of the larger think tanks such as the Urban Institute may attend career fairs, but it is a better bet to contact the agencies you are interested in directly and inquire about openings.
View a list of centralized websites to help you identify organizations that match with your interests. |
