I have recently rediscovered a possible career goal for myself that I once had in college that may be worth pursuing: creating and running a thinktank advocating for changes to the American system of governance, or joining such a thinktank if it already exists.
In light of this potential career path, a few questions present themselves.
First, is this a good idea to pursue and devote much of my time/life to? I know of no thinktank considering such a course of action, except possibly on the margins (e.g. a movement to "get money out of politics" by passing a constitutional amendment overturning recent SCOTUS campaign finance rulings). The thinktank I would join or create would seek to change the nature of American representation and judicial selection/requirements, both fundamental to the country's fabric, which I anticipate will take a lot of time and focus to do, especially in building up support for it all, hence the thinktank, so I am curious if you think this would even be a good career pursuit, and what the benefits and drawbacks might be.
On a related note, are you aware of thinktanks already in existence (not common cause) that aim to fundamentally transform American governance and how the US gov operates at the level of political representation and judicial selection? I would also be open to joining such an institution if one already exists.
Second, which do you believe would be most helpful in starting or joining such a thinktank: a political science Masters, political science PhD, or a JD degree? I believe some thinktanks have JDs at the helm and among the employees, but could an MA or PhD lend the thinktank a greater degree of credibility given the years of subject specialization their additional years of study give them? Would a PhD degree be significantly better for credibility's sake than an MA for building up a thinktank; alternatively, would a PhD degree open the door wider in applying for an established thinktank than an MA degree? Also, would a PhD find it more difficult to establish or work at a thinktank compared to an MA, since such activities are so far outside of the realm of academia? Are there other factors involved here that I might need to consider?
Third, assuming I do end up wanting to start this thinktank and a version of it does not already exist, and assuming I do decide to go with either graduate degree, should I also take a JD as well, or just pursue the grad degree, (i.e. should I go PhD only or Masters only, or JD/PhD or JD/MA)? And on a related note, would an MA allow more career flexibility and options (thinktank + academia?) as opposed to a PhD (academia only?), or is the reverse usually true? I assume there is some flexibility for both, but which has more?
I have already been accepted by one MA program, not sure if I should take it or not because of the above questions I have.
Looking forward to your responses.
