Is becoming a political analyst right for me?
The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:
Still unsure if becoming a political analyst is the right career path? Take the free CareerExplorer career test to find out if this career is right for you. Perhaps you are well-suited to become a political analyst or another similar career!
Described by our users as being “shockingly accurate”, you might discover careers you haven’t thought of before.
How to become a Political Analyst
Becoming a political analyst typically requires a combination of education, research experience, analytical skills, and an understanding of government and public policy. The following steps can help you prepare for this career:
- Earn a Relevant Degree: Complete a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Economics, International Relations, History, Law, or a related field. Some positions, especially in research or policy development, may require a master's degree.
- Build Research and Analytical Skills: Develop strong skills in research, critical thinking, data analysis, writing, and problem-solving. Learn how to evaluate information from multiple sources and interpret political and economic data.
- Gain Practical Experience: Look for internships or entry-level positions with government agencies, legislative offices, political campaigns, research organizations, think tanks, consulting firms, or non-profit organizations. Practical experience helps build valuable knowledge and professional connections.
- Develop Communication Skills: Practice writing reports, policy briefs, and research papers, and improve your verbal communication skills. Political analysts must be able to explain complex political issues clearly to a variety of audiences.
- Stay Informed About Politics and Public Policy: Regularly follow political news, government decisions, elections, and international events. Understanding current issues and long-term political trends is essential for providing accurate and informed analysis.
- Continue Learning and Growing Professionally: Attend conferences, workshops, and professional development programs to expand your knowledge of political systems, public policy, research methods, and emerging political issues. Staying current with political developments and analytical techniques can improve your career opportunities.
Helpful Resources
Political analysts use trusted, nonpartisan resources to research legislation, public policy, political trends, and public opinion. The following organizations are among the most respected sources in the field:
- Congress.gov: The official legislative website of the U.S. Congress, providing access to bills, laws, committee reports, voting records, congressional hearings, and legislative summaries. It is an essential resource for tracking legislation and government activity.
- Pew Research Center: A highly respected, nonpartisan research organization that publishes public opinion polls, demographic research, and analysis on politics, society, technology, and global issues. It is widely used to understand political attitudes and emerging trends.
- Brookings Institution: An independent public policy research organization that produces in-depth analysis on government, economics, foreign policy, education, and social issues. Its reports and expert commentary are valuable resources for understanding complex policy challenges.
- RAND Corporation: A nonprofit research organization that conducts evidence-based studies on public policy, national security, health, education, economics, and international affairs. RAND's reports provide data-driven insights that are widely referenced by policymakers and political analysts.