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Public policies affect us all in a wide range of ways. In
particular, no matter what field of employment we pursue – engineering, science,
medicine and public health, teaching, business, journalism, law, etc – our
working lives are shaped by public policies. Moreover, it is not only public
servants whose work involves policy making. Wherever university graduates work,
they will often find that they are involved in implementing public policy or
having input into the creation or adjustment of policy. In many fields of
employment, senior employees are heavily involved in negotiating policy with
representatives of government. An understanding of public policy and some
direct experience of a policy making work environment is thus of relevance to
all graduates as future professionals – and, of course, as engaged citizens. The public policy internship, which students can take as part of the 12 point unit, POLS3301 Public Policy, is designed to give students the experience of such an environment, in an academic context which will also provide support (e.g. supervision, training in report writing) and a strong grounding in the study of public policy. |