Not everyone is able to do this work, being that as a public policy major, students in this program are expected to work in the public sector as policy analysts, administrators, and researchers, among many career choices.
These possible careers require students to have the qualities that will ensure their commitment and ability to finish the degree.
Some of the characteristics are related to their ability to think and act independently while keeping their minds open to other perspectives and alternative frameworks.
It is also important that they are willing to challenge existing narratives and develop new knowledge.
Some of the best qualities of public policy students are:
Good Organization and Negotiating Skills – students can easily navigate their college life and juggle different projects. They are able to make a distinction between what to prioritize and what can wait. They should know how to deal with their fellow students, peers, and professors and develop their negotiating tactics, as these skills will be of crucial important once they finally join the real world where influencing others and negotiating with different departments and organizations will be their main role
Creativity and Critical Thinking – Public Policy students are expected to encounter challenges and difficulties and they need to possess the creativity to cope with the stress and pressure of complying with their workload. It is also required, as they will be solving problems presented by policy issues,  that they must be able to think creatively around problems and be flexible enough to adapt to the changes.
A Sense of Leadership – Those who choose to deal with the public must have excellent skill in influencing and inspiring the members of society. This means that they need to be great leaders so as to make this job easy. Students of public policy should be able to take charge and have the initiative to make tough decisions, even under pressure as well as find solutions to different problems.
Teamwork – Even though they need to possess leadership skills they have to be able to work as a team, as well. These graduates are expected to work with different people who have different abilities and qualities so as to reach a common goal.
Interest in Politics and Policy Issues – This is considered as an essential quality of Public Policy majors. They have to possess their genuine interest and passion for politics and policy issues, they should read the news regularly and keep updated with the latest happenings related to the government, economy, environment, and health sector. This is important as it will sharpen their minds and equip them with the necessary knowledge.