Political roles and public policy

There are numerous organisations within the political roles and public policy sector where you can pursue a rewarding career:

• Civil Service: Work at the heart of government, implementing policies and delivering public services.

• Local Government: Engage with local communities to address their needs and deliver essential services.

• Public Sector: Contribute to public service delivery in various sectors such as healthcare, education, and transport.

• Think Tanks: Conduct research and develop policies on a wide range of issues.

• Political Parties: Support party operations, strategy, and campaigns to influence political outcomes.
  

• Trade Unions: Advocate for workers' rights and engage in policy development to improve working conditions.

• Public Affairs Consultancies and Political Communications Firms: Advise clients on policy issues and manage their public image.

• Charities and NGOs: Drive social change and advocate for various causes. Work in diverse areas such as human rights, environmental protection, and international development.

Spotlight On: What can I do with my politics degree?

The field of political roles and public policy offers a diverse array of career opportunities. Here is an overview of some key roles you can pursue:

Political roles

• Politician: Elected officials who represent the interests of their constituents in local, regional, or national government. Responsibilities include drafting legislation, debating policy issues, and engaging with the community. Further information on becoming a politician can be found on the UK Parliament website.

• Political adviser: Provides strategic advice to politicians or political parties, helping to shape policy decisions and public messaging.

Public affairs and political communications

• Public affairs specialist: Works to influence public policy and legislation on behalf of organisations, often through lobbying, public relations, and advocacy campaigns. Visit Public Affairs Networking for a guide to public affairs and information for graduates.

• Political communications officer: Manages the public image and communications strategy for political figures, parties, or organisations, ensuring effective messaging through media and public engagement.

Policy roles

• Policy analyst: Researches and analyses policy issues, providing insights and recommendations to help shape effective public policies. Often employed by Think Tanks, government agencies, or non-profit organisations. Explore a list of Britain’s leading Think Tanks and UK policy updates.

• Policy adviser: Works within government or organisations to develop and implement policies, providing expert advice to ensure that decisions are informed by evidence and best practices.

Political risk

• Political risk analyst: Assesses the political environment in various regions to identify risks and opportunities for businesses and investors. These risks can include government interference, war and terrorist attacks, embargoes and sanctions, and climate risks. This role involves monitoring political developments, conducting risk assessments, and advising on strategies to mitigate potential threats. Learn more about the role of a Political Risk Analyst from Prospects.

Trade unions

• Trade union research officer: Conducts research and provides analysis on issues affecting workers and trade unions. This role involves gathering data, preparing reports, and supporting campaigns to improve working conditions and labour rights. Find vacancies at the Trades Union Congress (TUC), The Guardian – Society section, and the Association for Qualitative Research (AQR).

At the Nottingham, there are numerous opportunities for students to gain the skills and experience required to pursue a career in political roles and public policy. Here are some ways you can get involved and build your professional profile:

• Volunteering: Engage in volunteer activities that allow you to work on community projects, campaign for causes, and gain practical experience in public service. Volunteering helps you develop key skills such as leadership, communication, and project management. Visit our volunteering section for more information and ways to get involved.

• Work with a local MP: Gain insight into the world of politics by working for a local Member of Parliament (MP). Many MPs offer internships or voluntary positions, allowing you to assist with casework, policy research, and constituency matters. This hands-on experience is invaluable for understanding the political landscape and can open doors to future opportunities. Find vacancies at W4MP.

• Nottingham Internship Scheme: Participate in the university’s internship scheme to gain hands-on experience in political roles, public affairs, or policy analysis. Internships provide valuable industry insights and can often lead to future employment opportunities. Learn more about the programme in the Nottingham Internship Scheme section.

• MyCareer jobs board: Use the MyCareer jobs board to find internships and part-time positions related to your field of interest. This platform connects you with a variety of employers looking for talented students.

• Students' Union president or student representative: Get involved in the Students' Union by running for an officer role or serving as a course rep. These roles offer leadership experience and the opportunity to influence university policy and student welfare. Visit the Students’ Union website for more information and vacancies.

• Join societies: Enhance your public speaking, critical thinking, and argumentation skills by joining student groups such as the debate society, model UN society, and pro bono society. Find a list of more than 200 societies to become a member of.

• Attend public lectures and events: Take advantage of the university’s many guest lectures and events on politics, governance, and public policy. These events often feature experts from the field, providing insights into current political issues and networking opportunities with professionals. Visit the events page to see upcoming opportunities.

• Think Tanks: Visit the websites of think tanks to identify work experience or internship opportunities, such as DEMOS. The Guardian website has a news section focusing on think tanks, and Smart Thinking publishes job opportunities from the leading UK think tanks.

• Civil Service: For work experience opportunities, visit the Civil Service website, which has a section for undergraduates.

• European Parliament: The European Parliament website offers traineeships to provide vocational training and insights into the European Union.

• House of Commons: Offers year-long placements, including in the Department of Chamber and Committee Services. Learn more about these placements on the UK Parliament careers page.

• LGJobs: Visit LGJobs, the UK’s official website for local government job vacancies.

• Parliamentors: Participate in Parliamentors, a programme where you can be mentored by an MP if you see yourself working in politics after graduation.

• UK Parliament: Explore job vacancies on the UK Parliament jobs page.

• GraduateForward jobs board: Discover public affairs and communications vacancies on the GraduateForward jobs board.

• W4MP: Search for jobs working for MPs, lobbying organisations, and the third sector on the W4MP jobs board.

• Jobsgopublic: Focus on public and not-for-profit sectors by visiting Jobsgopublic.

• Charities and NGOs: For opportunities in charities and NGOs, visit Charity Job and Impact Pool.

Interested in pursuing a career in political roles and public policy?

Visit MyCareer to find out about upcoming events, workshops, and one-on-one advice sessions. Our team is here to support you in navigating your career journey and achieving your professional goals.