We generally advise against pursuing a PhD for policy work. This guide explains why, gives exceptions to this advice, and offers strategies for optimizing a PhD program for policy work.

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Outline:

(01:21) Why we typically advise against PhDs

(02:53) The high opportunity cost of PhD programs

(05:11) PhDs are optimized for academic careers, not policy careers

(06:57) When a PhD makes sense for policy work

(07:16) You're targeting institutions that prize PhDs

(09:56) You want to keep the option of an academic career open

(11:04) You want to specialize deeply in a technically complex topic (and alternatives to PhDs are insufficient)

(12:25) You aim for specific high benefit-to-cost PhD programs

(13:53) PhD programs optimized for policy careers

(14:11) Key criteria for policy-focused PhD programs

(16:30) Policy-oriented PhD programs to consider

(21:10) Optimizing your PhD for policy impact

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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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