During a stint as a parliamentary researcher, Kate McCann found herself realising just how little she really knew about the reality of working in British politics and that’s despite having studied a degree in the subject.
Working in the corridors of power had our Guardian Careers blogger quickly realising there’s so much more to the job of an MP than she realised.
She also soon learned that working for a politician means you have to be prepared for just about anything. Which for Kate meant dealing with everything from bizarre requests from constituents – who wondered about the policy on compost or the height of pavements – to trying to keep a cool head when bumping into David Cameron in the tea room. Oh, and then there washttp the dog bite to contend with while out canvassing.
If you want to follow in her footsteps – or perhaps you’ve even got your eye on a seat in the House of Commons – a politics degree is just the beginning, says Kate. To get a head start, she recommends putting your time at university to good use and getting work experience in your local constituency office or by offering to help during a local election campaign.
However, if a Westminster career isn’t on your radar, there’s plenty of other places a degree in politics can take you. The Independent pointed out how the subject is useful for journalism, the civil service or teaching, and graduates also go on to work for think tanks, local authorities and NGOs.
So, whatever your intended career path, if you’re studying politics or have just graduated join our live Q&A to discuss your options with a panel of experts. They’ll be online answering your questions Thursday 13 October – join us live from 1pm or post in advance in the comments thread below.
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Our panel:
Dr Claire Dunlop is a senior lecturer in politics at the University of Exeter. Claire studied her politics BA, MSc and PhD at the University of Strathclyde. She then held a research post in the civil service before returning to academia at the University of Glasgow. She is currently chair of the UK Political Studies Association‘s Public Administration Specialist Group.
Govinda Clayton is a lecturer in International Conflict Analysis within the School of Politics and International Relations at the University of Kent. He is also responsible for developing employability skills with students in the school of politics and international relations.
Tom Mludzinski joined market research company Ipsos MORI having graduated with a BA (Hons) from Warwick University in Politics and International Studies. He gained political experience working for MPs in their Westminster offices, conducting extensive research on a variety of key issues. Tom is a member of Ipsos MORI’s electoral and political research team, handling many high profile research projects. He writes frequently on politics and polling.
Jo Cole is an account director at MHP Communications. Jo heads up the company’s Public Affairs Graduate Scheme. Having joined MHP as a graduate in 2006, Jo now advises a range of clients on policy, regulation and political communications.
Dr Olli Hellmann is a lecturer in Asian Political Economy at Durham University and acts as the School of Government’s career advisor. Olli worked in the public affairs team of the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) and for Ipsos MORI while completing his PhD. He’ll be online between 3pm and 4pm.
Howard White is director of studies for undergraduate programmes in Politics at the University of Bath.
Mel Venables is the student recruitment and marketing officer for Politics and International Studies (PAIS) at the University of Warwick. She has worked in the PAIS department for two years and is in charge of postgraduate student recruitment and the PAIS website.
Kate McCann writes about local government for the Guardian and previously worked as an intern and then a researcher for a member of parliament. Kate studied politics at Newcastle University.
Jenna Collins is the networks manager at the think tank New Local Government Network (NLGN), managing the network of local government and private sector innovators. Prior to joining NLGN, Jenna worked at Imperial College Business School and in the third sector.
