Wednesday 28 February 2024

Working in the think tank sector

Webinar for those interested in working in the sector

Think tanks are research organisations that develop ideas and suggestions for action on a whole range of subjects affecting society. Using research, analysis and commentary, we aim to inform and influence politicians, policy makers and the public.

Given the economic, social and political issues facing the UK, ensuring the world of research and policy-making is populated by a variety of talented individuals with diverse views and backgrounds is more important than ever. To contribute to achieving greater representation, a group of think tanks and similar organisations join together each year to hold a webinar for undergraduates (and those with equivalent experience) interested in working in the sector.

This event is aimed at people from Black, Asian and other minority ethnic groups, people with work-limiting health conditions or impairments, young adults with caring responsibilities (including young parents), mature students, people from lower-income backgrounds, care leavers and LGBT+ students. To help us monitor our success at promoting the event to people from these backgrounds, we would appreciate it if you could complete our Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form.

The event will be broadcast via YouTube and the Resolution Foundation website. Viewers will be able to submit questions to the panel before and during the event via Slido.

This event is organised in collaboration with CLES, Centre for Cities, Centre for Policy Studies, Demos, Fawcett Society, Institute for Employment Studies, Institute for Fiscal Studies, Institute for Government, Institute for the Future of Work, IPPR, Learning and Work Institute, National Institute of Economic and Social Research, New Economics Foundation, New Local, NPC, Nuffield Trust, Pro Bono Economics, Resolution Foundation, Royal Economic Society, RUSI, The King’s Fund, TUC and UK in a Changing Europe.


Event recording


Agenda

16:00 – 16:25
Welcome and Introduction

Danny Sriskandarajah, Chief Executive of New Economics Foundation, will introduce the event and cover the landscape of the think tank sector (e.g. parliament, civil service, local government, think tanks, trade unions charities etc.) and options for research and policy careers, as well as discussing other available roles in Think Tanks.

16:25 – 17:10
Influencing Policy

Panellists will discuss how their work and the work of their organisation has helped influence policy and what impact might mean.

  • Felicia Odamtten – Resolution Foundation (Chair)
  • Benedikt Stranak – New Economic Foundation
  • Joel Reland – UK in a Changing Europe
  • Dina Mansour-Ille – Royal United Services Institute
  • Emma Revell – The Centre for Policy Studies

17:15 – 18:00
A day in the life of a Researcher

Panellists will present their journey into and within the think tank sector and what a life as a researcher entails on a day-to-day basis.

  • Olly Bartrum – Institute for Government (Chair)
  • Stuti Bagri – Nuffield Trust
  • Kavya Sangam – New Philanthropy Capital
  • Imran Tahir – Institute for Fiscal Studies
  • Kate Alexander – Institute for Employment Studies

18:05 – 18:30
Applying for Jobs in the Sector

HR and Recruitment specialists will answer your questions on:

  1. Where to look for jobs in the sector
  2. How to identify the most ‘suitable’ opportunities
  3. How to make you application stand out
  4. How to use rejection to improve one’s applications
  • Cassia Dingwall – Pro Bono Economics (Chair)
  • Vicki Wright – New Economics Foundation
  • Nicola Blacklaws – Institute for Government