#2019APPAM Pre-Conference Training for New Professionals: Impact Policy With Your Research

On Wednesday, November 6th, #2019APPAM Pre-Conference Training for New Professionals: Impact Policy With Your Research took place. Here is a Twitter recap of the event.

Ready to talk evidence-backed policy here at #APPAM2019!

Hear from me and colleagues @jenniowen & @mshires13 in a pre-conference training—at 3 p.m. MDT today—on how to use your research to impact the formation & implementation of policy. https://t.co/Xagyk89xUy @APPAM_DC pic.twitter.com/JcFTIoC61g

— Molly Irwin (@mollyeirwin) November 6, 2019

.@mollyeirwin talks about working with legislators to make policy researchers actionable at the #2019APPAM Pre-Conference Training pic.twitter.com/F3oeLARXQz

— APPAM (@APPAM_DC) November 6, 2019

"Context and incentives are critical" says @jenniowen.
Convince legislators that the reason you want to help is not just about you. Be genuine in your interests & in your offers to help. #2019APPAM

— APPAM (@APPAM_DC) November 6, 2019

If you're hesitant to offer assistant or expertise to policy makers because your research isn't complete know that the level of knowledge you have on a specific topic so much more than the average person that whatever you have to offer is going to be insightful #2019APPAM

— APPAM (@APPAM_DC) November 6, 2019

"If you're going to get involved in public policy you've got to know that the time horizons are very short," explains @mikeshires1 Policy happens in week-long & month-long time frames. Its a different set of skills than is often used in PhD programs but is immediately actionable

— APPAM (@APPAM_DC) November 6, 2019

"If you're going to get involved in public policy you've got to know that the time horizons are very short," explains @mikeshires1 Policy happens in week-long & month-long time frames. Its a different set of skills than is often used in PhD programs but is immediately actionable

— APPAM (@APPAM_DC) November 6, 2019

Responding to a question about the usefulness of an MBA in policy @mikeshires1 explains that"public policy is about people." Soft skills like personal interactions and leading discussions are critical. @mollyeirwin adds that budgets are policy; budgeting skills are invaluable

— APPAM (@APPAM_DC) November 6, 2019

A question was asked about how researchers can impact high-level policy decisions. @mollyeirwin explains that 'big p' Policies are often built from the bottom up & are influenced by the local & state policies where researchers can have a significant influence #2019APPAM

— APPAM (@APPAM_DC) November 6, 2019

How can international students get involved in public policy in the US when some of the career fields are restricted? @mollyeirwin suggests looking at think tanks & orgs doing research that welcome intl graduates. #2019APPAM

— APPAM (@APPAM_DC) November 6, 2019

.@mikeshires1 advises to get creative! Look at intl orgs & positions at similar orgs in countries like Canada that have similar access to data. Universities are also a wealth of diverse international researchers & professors #2019APPAM

— APPAM (@APPAM_DC) November 6, 2019

What can smaller policy research/analysis orgs do to be influential to local legislators in the face of larger lobbies? @jenniowen suggests thinking outside the box: talk to lower-level gov staff, coordinate with profs at local universities, etc. #2019APPAM

— APPAM (@APPAM_DC) November 6, 2019

Look for 'natural allies,' says @mikeshires1. Seek out those who have a similar interest but a different constituency. Make connections with everyone. Know who the players are. "It takes time & it takes intentionality. The benefit is you'll make an impact but...it takes time"

— APPAM (@APPAM_DC) November 6, 2019

Ask your connections 'Who can I talk to?' Not only can you say 'this person told me to talk to you,' you can also use others' networks to expand your own #2019APPAM

— APPAM (@APPAM_DC) November 6, 2019

The panelists share some personal experiences from their careers. @mikeshires1 talks about how being a tenured professor at @pepperdine gave him the opportunity to help implement a data-driven program that impacted housing in California #2019APPAM

— APPAM (@APPAM_DC) November 6, 2019

.@mollyeirwin continues with her experience being an independent research. It is important to think carefully about whether you want to advocate for a specific position because it is really important to you or do you want to advocate for the underlying evidence #2019APPAM

— APPAM (@APPAM_DC) November 6, 2019

Reading 3 emails she has received in the last month, @jenniowen illustrates the need for researchers to talk about the 'so what' of their research. When reaching out to legislators offering expertise tell them why your work matters to them & their constituencies #2019APPAM

— APPAM (@APPAM_DC) November 6, 2019

Reading 3 emails she has received in the last month, @jenniowen illustrates the need for researchers to talk about the 'so what' of their research. When reaching out to legislators offering expertise tell them why your work matters to them & their constituencies #2019APPAM

— APPAM (@APPAM_DC) November 6, 2019

Thank you to all of our speakers and panelists at today's Pre-Conference Workshop and Training! What a great way to kick off #2019APPAM!

— APPAM (@APPAM_DC) November 7, 2019

Please join us for the Pre-Conference Training reception in the 2nd Floor Tower Court D for drinks and light hors d'oeuvres! pic.twitter.com/ASxV3QgoWz

— APPAM (@APPAM_DC) November 7, 2019

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