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First, some facts. Of the Public Policy graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 82 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 60%, Public Policy graduates have a lower likelihood (-7%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, 48% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a Public Policy graduate.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 39% We think this person has NOT gone into a career related to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2020 from University at Albany, SUNY with a Bachelors Degree w/ Honors in Public Policy. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONNanny N/A Oct 2020 - May 2021 Sales Assistant Sagamore Hill Broadcasting Aug 2021 - Mar 2022 Elementary School Teacher  Sylvan Learning Aug 2022 - Present Nursery Manager Midland United Methodist Church May 2022 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGMaster's degreeUniversity of Colorado Denver 2021 - 2023 ABOUTGraduate from Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy, currently studying Early Childhood Education through UC Denver. Looking to work as an educator for early childhood. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
The job landscape for individuals with a degree in Public Policy is quite diverse, but certain patterns clearly emerge, showcasing both the career trajectories and the relevance of their positions to the degree. One of the most common types of jobs found in the profiles analyzed falls into categories such as policy analysis, governmental positions (like legislative assistants and policy researchers), advocacy roles, and positions in educational institutions. By looking closely at these roles, we can better understand how graduates apply their education in the real world.
When analyzing job relevance, it’s evident that many positions are closely related to public policy. For instance, roles such as legislative assistants, policy analysts, and government relations associates directly engage with public policy tasks, such as conducting research, analyzing legislation, and participating in advocacy work. These jobs leverage the analytical skills and theoretical framework learned during their degree programs, confirming their relevance to the field. Conversely, some careers, such as those in retail management, teaching (without a specific focus on educational policy), and positions that primarily involve administration or technical work, often lack direct applicability to public policy. For example, a role like “Patient Coordinator” or “Nanny” does not typically demand heavy public policy knowledge and may rely more on soft skills like communication and organization.
Moreover, it’s worth noting that while many graduates start in roles that utilize their public policy knowledge and skills, several shift into areas that might seem unrelated at first glance. For instance, individuals in finance or general business roles may still apply critical thinking and analytical skills gained from their public policy studies but in contexts that do not directly align with traditional public policy tasks. Overall, while many jobs are highly applicable to the field of public policy, the relevance can vary significantly based on the specific role, the organization's core focus, and the individual’s career path preferences.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Public Policy graduates:
When you look at the career trajectories of graduates with a degree in Public Policy, you can see a blend of successes and some not-so-glamorous paths. Right out of college, many graduates seem to find their footing in internships or entry-level positions that are fairly relevant to public policy-related fields. For instance, a couple of recent graduates landed roles as campaign interns or policy research interns, which is a pretty good start for someone in this field. These first jobs often involve gaining hands-on experience within government agencies, nonprofits, or advocacy groups. They serve as a stepping stone into the more significant and impactful roles that graduates hope to secure as they progress in their careers.
Looking five to ten years down the line, the picture can vary widely. Some graduates move up the ladder and hold roles like "Director of External Relations" or "Legislative Analyst," which are definitely impressive and align well with a Public Policy background. Others, however, find themselves in less directly related positions or even switch fields. For example, a grad went from being a transportation planning assistant to working as a medical scribe, which doesn’t quite scream “public policy expert.” While many seem to stick to their public policy roots and thrive, others drift into unrelated jobs, which is a reality many face in this competitive job market. It’s essential to recognize that while some might flourish in aligned roles, others may pivot and take different, perhaps unexpected career paths. Overall, graduates of Public Policy generally experience a mix of promising careers that resonate with their education and some career changes that lead them far from their initial degree focus.
A Bachelor's degree in Public Policy can be a bit of a mixed bag in terms of difficulty, and honestly, it really depends on your interests and strengths. If you enjoy reading, writing, and tackling complex social issues, you might find it pretty engaging and not too tough. However, if you're not into analysis and policy discussions, it can definitely feel overwhelming at times, especially when you dive into research methods and statistics. Overall, it's about on par with an average degree in terms of workload, but those who are passionate about making a change might find it more fulfilling than challenging.
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Public Policy.
Looking at the career paths of these Public Policy graduates, it seems like some of them have landed decent jobs that likely pay pretty well, while others have gone through more varied roles that might not be as lucrative. For instance, graduates from prestigious schools like Duke University and the University of Michigan appear to have snagged high-level positions fairly quickly, often advancing to roles like Associate and even Vice President at well-known companies. In contrast, some graduates from other universities have had roles that seem more entry-level or temporary, such as internships and operational assistant positions, which typically pay less and don’t offer the same job security or growth potential.
Overall, while a few of these folks definitely seem to be raking in the bucks, especially those at big firms or with advanced roles, others are still climbing up the ladder. If you're looking to maximize your earning potential in public policy, targeting internships with influential organizations and leveraging alumni connections from top universities can make a significant difference in landing a high-paying role sooner rather than later.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Public Policy. This may or may not be useful:
