How to become a Political Analyst

Role of a Political Analyst

In layman language, an analyst is a person whose job is to analyse a subject and give opinions about it. The political analysts help develop and critically analyse government policies and provide advice to ministers and the government in power while working in their offices or through media. Via media such as satellite news channels, newspapers, magazines, radio and Internet, political analysts analyse working of governments, as well as various political entities. 


Education and Skills

Those interested in becoming a political analyst must have sound knowledge of political systems and political behaviour. Political analysts use institutional and functional approaches to examine and comprehend political issues of their country and other countries of the world. 

Those who aspire to become political analysts should take up study programmes in humanities, which are available at all levels - bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate. In these programmes, aspirants study peace and conflict issues, gender studies, human rights policy making, and political sociology apart from national politics, comparative government, and international politics. They also study subjects such as ideology, public opinion, political decision making and how to conduct public opinion polls. 

Those who hold posts of political advisors or political journalists are experts in subjects like political research, law, business, past civilizations, peace and conflict issues, comparative politics, foreign affairs and media studies. 

Apart from academic knowledge, aspirants must have strong analytical skills and excellent written and verbal communication skills, to report or collaborate on political dynamics and research findings.