How To Get A Policy Or Journalism Job Like Chris Rufo's
Tales from the think tanksphere
This week’s news highlight is a Very Online’®️ debate between Manhattan Institute fellow Chris Rufo claiming that the labor market is good actually because jobs at Panda Express pay well, and the Online Right pushed back, stating that Rufo’s assertion suggests young men should be relegated to low-status coded professions.
As a “Milquetoast” squish I see both perspectives.
The American labor market has changed drastically before our Millennial and Gen Z eyes. We were told college was the Wonka ticket to a leafy suburb, only to amass student loans, while our degrees became less valuable. And, there are serious debates to be had about how “skilled” immigration impacts white collar wages. (I dislike the term “skilled” because anyone who has done farm work knows that type of work is skill.)
Meanwhile, complaining on Twitter doesn’t fix anything. AND, I genuinely believe that public policy and journalism could benefit from fresh ideas and people with the energy to do important work.
The work requires attention to detail, people skills, focus, and ability to navigate bureaucracy. Arguably, the patience and people skills to navigate complex organizations, often filled with people with competing interests, is the most important skill. Government, policy, and law move slowly.
Guys, get your suit and Vineyard Vines tie, gals- grab an Ann Taylor sheath dress. We’re goin’ policy and journalism job huntin’.
Comments are open, and if you have a genuine question, feel free to DM me. Seriously.
🚨New jobs! Updated 5/01/2025
Parents Defending Education is seeking a Project Manager for Higher Education
Reason Foundation has TONS of open roles
Hamilton Lincoln Law Institute is looking for an attorney
Recruit Big Fish has several great opportunities
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Author’s Note: You may have discovered my work through my posts about France—welcome!
A little about myself and what you’ll find here; I’m an American Jew living in Paris, and my writing explores topics such as free markets and regulation, culture, Judaism, and a bit about life in France. I hope you’ll stay and enjoy this journey with me.
If you’re primarily looking for content about baguettes and the Eiffel Tower, you might not find that here, but I wish you well in your search.
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As a lover of Mean Girls—and someone whose recent work draws on its framework—I appreciated the ‘Get in, loser’ meme.