Most Important Skills for a Public Policy Manager at Global Health Non-Profit
Zeke, a Public Policy Manager, emphasizes the importance of strong writing skills, stating "you have to be a good writer," for clear communication in their field. Further, the ability to remain "unflappable," handling disagreement with grace and maintaining composure even when facing opposition, is crucial for navigating the political landscape of their nonprofit work.
Communication, Resilience, Problem-Solving, Writing Skills, Political Savvy
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Zeke Sandoval
Public Policy Manager
Global Health Non-Profit
University of Southern California, 2019
Not applicable
Political Science, American Studies
Healthcare, Medical & Wellness, Nonprofit, Foundations & Grantmaking
Legal
None Applicable
Video Highlights
1. Excellent writing skills are crucial for clear communication in policy work.
2. The ability to remain unflappable and handle disagreement professionally is essential.
3. A genuine passion for the work combined with the ability to respectfully engage with opposing viewpoints is vital for success in public policy.
Transcript
What skills are most important for a job like yours?
Two skills come to mind when reading this question. The first is writing. I think this is a skill that needs to be honed in any job. You have to be a good writer, which means you have to read a lot and practice writing a lot. It just is what it is.
Plenty of people get by on being really good on their feet and presentations, and that's great. You should hone that skill too. But any job where you need to clearly and coherently communicate your ideas to people requires you to be a good writer. There's just no other way around it.
The other skill I picked up was from when I used to do a lot of canvassing or fundraising. This is true of any political job: unflappability. You've got to be able to let stuff roll off your shoulders.
You also have to be okay being in a room where everyone disagrees with you. You can't let it get into your head. It's really important to care; to feel emotionally tied to the work you're doing, especially if you're looking to get into politics. Your heart should be in it, but that doesn't mean you have to wear your heart on your sleeve.
You should be okay with people disagreeing with you. You can smile and deliver feedback, perhaps like this: "I really see your point. I don't think you have the right idea, but I think we're trying to get to the same place." You have to be able to deliver that with a smile.
It's challenging, annoying, and frustrating. I take meetings with offices, and I know they don't want to hear from me; I know they disagree with me. I have to be okay sticking it out and not getting uncomfortable, but also not letting them get to me.