Op-Ed Writing Workshops

One of the most important components of a liberal arts education is learning how to conduct research and prepare academic papers. However, for those interested in working in the policy space, one of the most important skills that they can learn is how to distill the complex information learned through research into a condensed format that is more likely to be read by both policymakers and the general public—whether through policy briefs, op-eds, or social media campaigns. Developing these skills is often not part of our educational curriculum, but is critical for the job market. One area where students and researchers can get a head start to developing these skills and bolstering their resumes is by leveraging their research and unique world views to write and publish editorials on one of the many different policy sites or newspapers that accept open submissions. Navigating the op-ed writing and pitch process can however be daunting.

 

Adam Ratzlaff has a proven track record both of publishing his own analyses on policy sites as well as mentoring future writers. With over a decade of experience analyzing Inter-American affairs, Adam has worked and consulted with international and regional organizations, think tanks, publishers, U.S. government entities, and academic institutions. To date, Ratzlaff has published over 100 editorials on an array of policy sites. In addition to his own writing, Ratzlaff has worked on the editorial teams of different think tanks and policy publications, namely with Diplomatic Courier and Global Americans.

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Ratzlaff has also presented op-ed writing workshops aimed at both graduate and undergraduate students at Tulane University, Florida International University, American University, North Georgia University, Global Americans, and the Eugene Scassa Model Organization of American States. He has mentored numerous students in the editorial process leading to their own publications and co-authorships. These have included seven undergraduate students from his own International Political Economy courses, interns where he has worked and individuals that he has mentored outside of his teaching and professional capacity.