Inside the World of Think Tanks: Shaping Policy, Skills, and Opportunities

Think tanks devote a substantial portion of their financial and human resources to commissioning and publishing research and policy analysis in the social sciences: political science, economics, public administration, and international affairs. The major outputs of these organisations are books, monographs, reports, policy briefs, blogs, conferences, seminars, web-based reports and commentary, formal briefings and informal discussions with policymakers, government officials, and key stakeholders 

Think tanks offer students a certain window into policymaking. Think tank experts, usually individuals with years of government or international experience and a master’s or PhD degree, write policy reports and books, hold events on policy topics, and convene “thinkers” about policy areas. These publications and events are read and attended by policymakers in government and experts at other think tanks. The overall effect is a cross-dialogue about policy issues.

 
Think tank jobs also allow you to improve several policy-relevant skills. Depending on your role, this can involve research and writing, but also other important skills such as communication, project management, event planning, and other types of staff support.

Here are 75 Top Think Tanks Globally compiled by Penn University of Pennsilvania, home of one of the top business schools in the world who conducts research and annual rankings of think tanks around the world.