Getting into tech policy is an exciting career path for those interested in the intersection of technology, law, and public policy. As technology continues to advance rapidly, there is increasing need for professionals who can analyze the policy implications and recommend appropriate regulations. Tech policy careers span government, think tanks, advocacy groups, and companies. While educational backgrounds can vary, certain skills and experiences are particularly valuable for aspiring tech policy professionals. This article provides an overview of tech policy as a field, outlines key qualifications and career trajectories, and offers tips for breaking into the industry. With careful planning and preparation, a role in tech policy can be attainable for those passionate about shaping the legal landscape around emerging technologies.
What is tech policy?
Tech policy refers to laws, regulations, and guidelines surrounding technology and its impacts on society. Some key tech policy issue areas include:
- Privacy and cybersecurity
- Content moderation and online speech
- Artificial intelligence ethics and safety
- Internet access and net neutrality
- Antitrust and competition
- Intellectual property
- Consumer protection
Professionals in tech policy analyze these complex and evolving issues to inform new laws, regulations, and best practices. They may work directly on policy and legislative development or provide analysis and perspective to decision makers. Many tech policy jobs involve identifying problems caused by existing policies or emerging technologies, researching solutions, and crafting policy proposals. Strong critical thinking, research, writing, and communication skills are essential.
What are the educational requirements?
There is no single educational path into tech policy. Many professionals have backgrounds in law, technology, policy, or a combination. Some common degrees and qualifications include:
- JD: A law degree enables direct work on policy language and legal analysis.
- PhD: Doctorates in law, policy, political science, or technology provide advanced research skills.
- MPA/MPP: Public policy or administration masters programs offer policy education.
- STEM degree: Technical degrees in CS, engineering, etc. provide tech fluency.
- MD: For medical/health technology policy, a medical degree is applicable.
In many cases, the specific degree matter less than gaining relevant knowledge, experience, and skills. Coursework, internships, advocacy experience, or jobs involving technology, law, policy, research, and writing are all helpful preparations. Advanced degrees like a JD, PhD, or masters provide additional expertise.
What skills and experience are valuable?
In addition to formal education, certain skills, experiences, and natural strengths enable success in tech policy work. Valuable qualifications include:
- Technical literacy – Understanding how technologies like AI, encryption, social media, and biometrics work and their societal impacts.
- Policy and legal knowledge – Knowledge of governmental processes, constitutional law, and/or specific issue area policies like privacy or antitrust.
- Research and analytics – Ability to gather data and insights, synthesize complex information, and derive policy implications.
- Writing and communication – Skills to write policy briefs, op-eds, testimony, legislation, and regulations clearly and persuasively.
- Advocacy experience – Having worked with activist groups, think tanks, or associations to advance policy reforms.
- Political savvy – Understanding how policy decisions get made and how to effectively influence policymakers.
Gaining such experience through internships, academic programs, jobs, or extracurricular activities is crucial preparation for tech policy roles.
What are common tech policy career trajectories?
Tech policy careers can be pursued across sectors including government, advocacy, think tanks, academia, and industry. Some common positions and career paths include:
Government
– Congressional staffer – Work in Congress researching issues and drafting tech-related legislation.
– Agency staffer – Help implement regulations and policies within agencies like the FTC, FCC, or DOJ.
– Regulator/enforcer – Roles within sector-specific regulatory bodies like state medical boards.
Progression often involves increased seniority and responsibility, such as advancing from staffer roles to agency leadership.
Think Tanks
– Policy analyst – Research and publish reports on tech issues and policy solutions.
– Advocacy director – Lead campaigns and lobby for tech-related policy reforms.
More senior roles include executive and president positions focused on managing the organization.
Non-profits and Advocacy Groups
– Campaign manager – Plan and coordinate advocacy initiatives on issues like privacy.
– Litigator – Bring lawsuits related to civil liberties, tech monopolies, etc.
Higher level positions include leading full departments or organizations and directing strategy.
Academia
– Research fellow – Conduct academic research on tech policy topics.
– Professor – Teach technology and policy courses; publish research.
Tenure-track professorship is a common end goal. Administrators like deans also shape academic programs.
Industry
– Compliance officer – Ensure company policies meet regulations.
– Policy counsel – Advise companies on laws impacting business interests.
Progressing to senior in-house policy strategist roles or general counsel positions is common.
How can I get my first tech policy job?
For those entering the tech policy field, these steps can help land that critical first job:
- Complete internships in government, advocacy groups, or industry policy shops.
- Cultivate a specialty like AI law or content moderation through research projects and writing.
- Take courses covering technology, ethics, law, statistics, economics, and writing.
- Start a blog or contribute to publications to demonstrate writing chops.
- Consider a degree like CS, law, or public policy depending on interests.
- Join student chapters of relevant organizations like the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC).
- Attend conferences and events to network and learn the policy landscape.
- Reach out directly to organizations and ask about job or internship opportunities.
Finding mentors already established in tech policy can also provide invaluable advice and connections. Passion for technology’s role in society is most important when starting out. First jobs may involve research, writing, data analysis, or administrative work while building expertise.
Conclusion
Launching a meaningful and rewarding tech policy career requires specialized skills and knowledge but is achievable for those dedicated to shaping technology’s societal impacts. Gaining legal, technical, and policy literacy through education and experience provides a strong foundation. Opportunities exist across government, advocacy, academia, and industry to analyze issues and develop solutions at the intersection of technology and law. With technological advances constantly reshaping life, tech policy professionals will remain highly in demand. For those willing to work hard and lean into their strengths, a career at the cutting edge of tech policy is an exciting possibility.
