As a public policy analyst, you research the effectiveness of legislation to help determine its actual effect and impact. Many public policy analysts specialize in specific areas of concern, such as education or public safety. In this role, you may use surveys to understand an issue better, take the initiative when deciding how to collect data, and otherwise measure both the impact and the awareness of passed and proposed legislation. Public policy analysts frequently work for the government, but occasionally work for think tanks, nonprofits, and other research institutions. Some public policy analysts write for newspapers or magazines, testify before legislative bodies, appear on news programs, or speak at conferences.