Tech Policy Careers: 5 Jobs in AI, IT, and Cyber Law

Technological advancement is moving at a breakneck pace. The need for technology policy has grown alongside it. 

As a result, the demand for tech policymakers is rising, and new opportunities are emerging throughout the field. But what jobs exist within tech policy? And would any of them be a good fit for your interests and skillset?

Development and wide-scale adoption of emerging technologies can be unpredictable. For example, artificial intelligence started out as a niche area of academic and technical study; now, tools like ChatGPT and customer service chatbots are so commonplace that they impact the public at large. 

In these cases, tech policy ensures that AI is used ethically and doesn’t cause harm. Legislation like New York’s RAISE Act, which regulated the safety and governance of frontier AI models, and Oregon House Bill 2748, which prevents a nonhuman entity from calling itself nurse or doctor, are just two examples. 

Tech also applies to technology that provides government services or information to constituents. If you’ve ever visited a government website on your phone or provided a digital E-signature, then you’ve experienced tech policy firsthand. 

And behind every tech policy is an individual, group, or organization working with legislators to bring it to life. 

Tech policy isn’t confined to the highest level of government. From Capitol Hill to state governments, from non-profits to multilateral organizations like the United Nations—tech policy professionals are working hard to address the impact of tech on the public. 

With a career in tech policy, you may find yourself working in a variety of spaces, such as:

• Government and public sector 
• Private sector (big tech and startups) 
• Civil society (non-profits, non-governmental organizations)
• Advocacy groups 
• Research institutions 
• Think Tanks 

Tech policy careers may involve drafting policy, but that isn’t all. The field also relies on policy analysts, researchers, and subject-matter specialists to discover and regulate technology as it develops.

Here are five tech policy careers for you to explore:

1. AI Policy Analyst
2. Biosecurity Policy Specialist
3. Cybersecurity Policy Advisor
4. Digital Rights Advocate
5. Privacy and Data Protection Specialist

As an AI policy analyst, your job is to examine and improve AI legislation. Research is key to this career: you’ll research current AI legislation, what’s working in the U.S., what’s working in other countries, and new developments in AI. You'll use this information to develop new policies and regulations that promote fair, ethical AI use.  

During the COVID-19 pandemic, biosecurity policy specialists played a major role in emergency response and public health policy. They operate at the intersection of science and policy, creating guidelines for lab safety and disease surveillance.

The spread of animal disease within food supplies is another focus of biosecurity specialists, as these outbreaks can disrupt agricultural systems and the economy.

If you’re interested in information technology as well as law, consider a career in cybersecurity policy. Within federal agencies, their work may involve matters of national security.

Non-government organizations also need these individuals to provide IT and policy expertise. Some of your key duties may include developing cybersecurity policies; evaluating security threats; and advising on risk management.  

Digital rights advocates are notable in that many of them work within the non-profit sector. Their efforts center on civil liberties within the online space—think digital privacy and free speech—and their conversations with legislators and corporations influence data and privacy laws.

Especially if you’re passionate about ethical AI use and algorithmic discrimination, this career allows you to make an impact on the lives of individuals. 

In the digital age, government agencies and corporations collect our personal information at every turn—and when data breaches occur, our privacy is at risk.

Privacy and data protection specialists ensure that data collection within their organization complies with the law. They also develop policies that protect data privacy and, in collaboration with cybersecurity professionals, mitigate the harmful effects of breaches.  

For any policy career, you’ll need to excel in writing, research, and public speaking. Another big part of tech policy is networking. You may be advising legislators or navigating regulatory issues with bureaucrats. Advocacy groups and tech experts will often be your allies and collaborators, providing direction and support to your policymaking efforts. As such, strong interpersonal skills are also essential. 

Technical skills are also advantageous for careers in specifically tech policy. Proficiency in data analysis or programming isn’t usually required, but it may help you stand out when applying for research-heavy or tech-centric roles.  

On the same note, if you have an area of tech policy in which you’re most interested, prioritize building your knowledge of that technology. You don’t need to become an expert, but knowing the basics ensures you won’t be drafting impractical or nonsensical policies. 

Now you’re familiar with the many opportunities within tech policy. How do you break into the field? Here are some steps you can take:

• Evaluate Your Background
• Pursue or Continue Your Education
• Apply to Fellowships and Internships
• Network in the Tech Policy Space

All tech policy careers aren’t the same, so some roles may fit you better than others. If you take a closer look at your skillset and the roles you tend to thrive you, you can refine your direction.

Many degrees will position you as a successful candidate for tech policy jobs; it matters less that you major in public policy and more that your degree builds your tech knowledge and sharpens your problem-solving skills.

While earning your bachelor’s and your master’s is important, gaining work experience is the best way to get started in tech policy. Internships are a great option for college students and recent graduates. For seasoned professionals interested in pivoting fields, fellowships are an excellent opportunity to transition into policy.

Networking isn’t inherently “fake” or inauthentic—it's just another word for building professional relationships. Your professors and the tech policy professionals you’ll encounter within the field are a valuable source of mentorship and opportunities. 

It can be hard to decide how to continue your education beyond your bachelor’s degree. Maybe you aren’t sure if a master's is for you, but you need more education to embark on your tech policy career. 

The University of Cincinnati's online Graduate Certificate in IT and Cyber Law can help you get your foot in the door.  

This 100% online and asynchronous certificate is designed for non-lawyers and is a great option for those interested in technology, law, and public interest. Through coursework developed by UC’s College of Law and the School of Information Technology, you’ll increase your understanding of:

• Risk management 

• Data privacy

• Legal and regulatory frameworks 

• Cybersecurity compliance

• IT law and governance 

You'll be able to sharpen your legal reasoning, critical thinking, technical writing, and verbal communication skills—all necessary skills for a career in tech policy.

You can make a major impact through a career in tech policy. All you need to do is take that first step. 

Whether you’re ready to apply or have no idea where to start, we’ll meet you there. Connect with your Enrollment Services Advisor today. These dedicated UC Online staff members are here to help guide you in the right direction.