What are the job prospects for a PhD in Physics in science policy?

[Catria]

I am in flux at the moment. On one hand I am concerned about the job prospects of a PhD in physics. On the other hand, one of these articles I've read about non-research jobs that can be done with a PhD in physics is science policy.

1. What skills, other than communication (both oral and written), are important to do a science policy job?

2. Is science policy a field where one needs to go to the right school, or work under the right advisor, to be considered for an interview?

 

[Vanadium 50]

You need experience. That is either several years as a PI, or one of the (e.g.) APS or AAAS fellowships. If you go the second route, you will definitely have a glass ceiling, because you have not been a PI, and don't have "street cred" with the community.