Careers in Politics

Careers with a Politics/International Politics degree Stephanie Darking Careers Consultant Placement & Careers Centre Stephanie.Darking@brunel.ac.uk 01895 265762

What we will cover • Skills gained from your degree • What careers you can go into with a Politics/International Politics degree • Some places to look for work experience overseas • Help available from PCC

Skills and knowledge gained from a Politics degree • Understanding of political and cultural issues • Knowledge of different political systems and institutions • Analytical skills developed through interpreting political issues and events • Gathering, assessing and interpreting information • Assimilating facts

• Researching sources and analysing evidence • Constructing effective arguments, stating a case • Written and public speaking skills • Essay writing and presentation skills • Organising workloads and working to deadlines • Problem solving skills

Politics graduates can work for: •Political parties •National and local government •Social and political research organisations •Charities and Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) •Non Departmental Public Bodies (NDPBs) •Schools, colleges, universities •Law firms •Financial institutions •Retail and manufacturing companies •Media and publishing organisations •Market research companies *Options are broad – 60% of graduate employers have no preference for subjects studies

Some jobs for Politics graduates Administration: • Politician’s Assistant • Civil Servant – Fast Stream or operational entry • Local government official • Political party organiser Communications: • Public Affairs consultant • Journalist

Researcher: • Government or independent research organisations (political parties, think tanks, trade unions) • Academic (teaching and research) Charity worker Market researcher Solicitor Librarian/Information officer

Aspects of NGO/Development work Based in UK and overseas • Advice work • Charity fundraising • Campaigning, communications and PR • International aid/development work • Policy and research • Volunteer management and co-ordination

What are employers looking for?

Centre Point – Policy & Research assistant: • Quantitative and qualitative research methods • Analytical skills - pull out key points and write clear, accurate and • accessible reports • Strong verbal communication with the ability to liaise with a range • of different groups including senior staff and young people • Strong organisational skills to help you successfully manage internal archives and processes • A basic understanding of the structure of Government, the legislative process and social policy issues is desirable, particularly in the following areas: Young people, Social Exclusion, Housing and Homelessness

What you need to know • Research your sector – graduate schemes v foot in the door • Know your job titles – Eg what are the key roles in a market research company?

• Entry points for a new graduate?

• How do people get jobs in your chosen sector?

• Have you got enough/any experience? Where are your gaps?

• Are you really suited to this line of work?

Working overseas USA - J1 Exchange Visitor Programme 4 months over the summer or 18 months within first 12 months of graduation • Summer camps – BUNAC, Camp Counsellors, Camp America • Ist-Plus international work travel programmes (USA, Canada, Australia) http://www.istplus.com/ • Stand Out Internships (Sydney)www.standoutinternships.com After graduation programmes such as: Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme (JET): www.jet-uk.org Mountbatten Institute Internship Programme: www.mountbatten.org

Drop into the PCC  

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Job Shop advertises part-time, voluntary and vacation work Placement officers help you find a sandwich placement Careers advisers help you assess your skills and identify possible options in line with your interests Careers workshops explore skills with contributions from employers Employer presentations and careers fairs identify specific graduate opportunities Information in hard copy in our careers library and on our website: www.brunel.ac.uk/pcc

PCC – 1st floor – Bannerman Centre