Caleb’s Story

Caleb is a Christian, policy researcher and think-tank founder. He aims to tackle pandemics and policy.

He is a CFI reader and podcast guest (episode here).

Early Interests and Education

I was born in California but spent most of my formative years in Kansas. During my undergraduate years, I became fascinated by the intersection of economics and technology. Initially uncertain about which path to pursue, internships in D.C. helped me realize that technology policy was the perfect blend of my interests. This field intrigued me because many economists believe that technological and scientific advancements are the primary drivers of long-term progress and wealth creation.

Academic and Career Background

• Undergraduate Degree: Business Administration from Sterling College

• Master’s Degree: Economics from George Mason University

• Policy Work Experience:

• Duration: Seven years in Washington, D.C.

• Organizations:

• Mercatus Center

• R Street Institute

• Progressive Policy Institute

• Co-founder: Institute for Progress (IFP)

• Focus: Accelerating technological, scientific, and industrial progress

• Status: New but rapidly gaining traction

Founding the Institute for Progress

After working at various think tanks, my focus progressively shifted from specific topics to broader innovation policies. This led me to found IFP, where we deliberately focus on a vertically integrated approach to influence policy effectively. This means engaging deeply in research, communicating findings clearly to the public and policymakers, and actively advocating for change on Capitol Hill.

Faith and Policy

• Guiding Force:

• My Christian faith shapes my values and career choices.

• Mission Fulfillment:

• Policy work aligns with the Christian mission of improving the world and caring for the poor.

• Impact of Technology and Science:

• Advancements, like new medical treatments, can improve living conditions and reduce poverty.

• These efforts align with the biblical call to serve and uplift others.

• Significance of Policy Work:

• Policy work is highly impactful, especially in the United States.

• U.S. government decisions affect millions and can have global repercussions.

Advice for Young Christians

For those considering a career in policy, I recommend studying Economics. It provides a solid framework for understanding complex systems and human behaviour, which is invaluable in policy and other fields. Economics offers flexibility and a broad range of applications, making it a versatile choice for anyone interested in understanding and improving the world.

Caleb’s Impact

At CFI, we believe Caleb is on a high-impact path because his career so far has balanced direct action with broader policy work. While direct action provides clear, immediate impacts, policy work can influence larger populations over time. This balance is crucial for achieving sustained, meaningful change.

Need help discerning your career? Sign up for our free one-on-one impact mentorship here.

To read more about it click here.

Do you have any career uncertainties? Click here to read our article on three big career uncertainties you can trust God with.