How does someone deserve an “expert” status? The question becomes relevant in today’s world, which seems full of experts with the rise of social media platforms. The high number of influencers may mislead some people to call them “gurus”. This article tries to address this issue by discussing policy expert.
A policy expert typically works “behind the scenes”. Laymen rarely recognise their work results. Lately, some experts in public policy have used social media channels to earn popularity while others haven’t. This profession belongs to the elite role category due to some factors that make up the content of this article. Stick around for the full information!
The meaning of policy expert
A policy expert is someone who has vast knowledge and experience in a certain field. The role requires strong academic skills and vast experience. All fields need experts so that they can give complete solutions when problems arise. Also, they can provide insights to deal with specific topics, even suggestions to prevent possible disasters.
To put it simply, let’s take the example of a policy expert in the field of weather. Commonly, a country’s weather agency employs some specialists in weather prediction. They study weather patterns, and if they find something unusual, they advise the government to take action. The goal is to prevent casualties that may arise from that.
What are their areas of expertise?
A policy expert works in all areas of life, such as transportation, health, and agriculture. They can work as a public servant, private employees, or even work on their own. One thing is for sure: such a profession often requires years of academic study. At least someone has to hold a Master’s degree to enrol in this role.
As the top source of advice, a policy expert must take extensive training or obtain licences that support their eligibility. As such, those can support their level of reliability of information for the government of the client. So, what are the areas? Check the list below!
1. Public Policy
A public policy expert observes complex social issues to arrive at effective solutions. While doing the work, they can work with various parties, such as the government, NGOs, or the public directly. An example of this is providing the best means of transportation in cities with overcrowded populations. To conclude the solution, the specialist has to look at various aspects, such as the society's condition and the government budget.
2. Social Policy
A social policy expert tackles issues in society, like poverty, equality, migration, and demographic changes. They will first identify the root of the problems and then study the previous solutions. From there, they will know how they didn’t work out and then find alternative ones with better insights and supporting data.
3. Science Policy
In the field of science, the work of a policy expert includes creating regulations on scientific research, funding, and innovation. They also suggest ways to turn research results into real actions. Sometimes, the specialists advise on scientific events that will deepen the connections between the government and the citizens.
4. Environmental Policy
As climate change is one of the world’s most urgent problems, advice on the environment is becoming necessary. A policy expert in this field checks what environmental problems that need quick answers. They will work with related fields to set the actions and then monitor the practices. Sometimes, they must meet the public to test if the strategy works well or not. The result will lay the ground for the next study.
5. Economic Policy
Economic policy is becoming more urgent than ever as the world is facing uncertainty due to some factors, such as geopolitics. Typical solutions from an economic policy expert are about how to boost economic growth despite the uncertainty. For this goal, they have to gather precise data from many parties, including global markets.
6. Food Policy
Two big issues that require the skills of a policy expert are food shortage, food hygiene, and food diversity. The advice on the two will likely relate to environmental ones. All of these are the impacts of climate change that disrupt planting season. They may have to meet with the farmers to get to the roots of the issues.
7. Energy Policy
Expertise in this subject is essential due to the fact that fossil-based fuels are running out shortly. The expert often centres the work on finding a cleaner energy source that costs less budget. In addition, they will have to make sure the government supports the idea so that the public can use it every day.
8. Education Policy
Regulations for the sector aim at discovering a curriculum that meets the interests of the students, the parents, and the schools. To arrive at this, an education policy expert needs to study the impacts of technology as it now becomes part of public life. The shorter span of attention is among the current issues that require deeper research for the expert in the field.
Qualifications needed to work as a policy expert
As stated previously, you will need to complete a Master's education in any field to become a policy expert. It’s even better if you hold a PhD degree because this reflects your deep research and even find a new theory in your field of interest. Such a degree also hints at your ability to find new solutions that should improve or fix the existing ones.
To strengthen your ability, you will have to take a lot of training and courses related to your field of study. This is to ensure your theory isn’t just mere statements. In the sessions, you will learn real cases in the public from which you will derive the data. This will enable you to make strategies for various problems in the area.
In terms of soft skills, a policy expert must have strong analytical skills because this will act as a tool to identify problems. You will work with various parties; thus, you must know how to communicate properly with them. Lastly, your problem-solving skills will guide you in finding solutions.
Are policy experts a promising job?
A policy expert offers a bright future for those of you who are looking for a challenging career path that allows you to deepen your field of interest. This role is suitable for those with a passion for research. You can work at a government body, academic institution, think-thank agency, consulting firm, or non-profit organisation.
In terms of salary, UK policy experts can earn between £23,000 and £30,000 for starting positions. Meanwhile, for experienced ones, they may reap over £60,000. Of course, the wages depend on the years of experience, place, and the field. Entry-level experts in the subject can get a payment of about £30,898 annually.
The figure for senior ones may exceed £58,517. On average, the specialists in the field earn from £30,898 to £58,517 every year. You can seek income from the industry in which you are currently working. While a policy expert in energy can take home between £25,000 to £60,000 annually. The junior expert in this field can earn £23,000, while the senior one can receive more than £60,000.
Begin your policy expert career path with CCM!
All subjects can become your starting points as a policy expert. All courses at the College of Contract Management provide solid knowledge from professionals who will guide your strong grasp of the field that becomes your specific interest. You can take the postgraduate programmes to become better and more focused.
Various pieces of training are available to ensure your knowledge comes with actual practice. The teachers at the college will guide you in putting the theory into action and invite you to discuss fresh issues related to the field. You should join the courses to have better study experiences there! Contact them now!
