Roles for the politically-minded

2024 has been a huge year in politics. The Labour Party took back power here in the UK, America is still consumed by all things Trump vs. Harris, and then there’s the recent appointment of a new European Commission… Want to get in on the action? Here are just some of the career paths that could see you make a difference to people’s lives.

Campaign manager

Behind every successful election is a campaign manager. Campaign managers help candidates running for national or local government get into power by coordinating all campaign operations. This involves scheduling outreach events, raising money, developing promotional materials and reviewing polling data.

Path to success: Becoming a campaign manager requires you to earn a degree in politics or a related field, gain relevant experience and join a professional organisation.

Policy Officer

A policy officer carries out research, runs consultations, and gathers and analyses data to help decision-makers shape policies. Depending on where you want to implement change, the role can see you working in local and central government, unions and charities, or the public and private sector.

Path to success: Studying economics, philosophy, sociology or a similar subject at university is the most common route into a policy officer role. However, a Level 4 Policy Officer Apprenticeship has been developed for individuals without a degree.

Journalist

More interested in holding politicians to account than becoming one? Journalists investigate and report on local, national and global politics to inform the public of important developments. Whether you write articles for newspapers and magazines, or deliver news broadcasts and television or radio, you’ll need to research issues, interview sources and fact-check information.

Path to success: Journalist roles are open to graduates of any discipline, but a degree in journalism, English or broadcasting/writing may improve your chances.

Civil Service Fast Streamer

Whilst Civil Service administrators ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the country by delivering government services (processing benefits payments, issuing driving licenses, etc.), Civil Service Fast Streamers implement and formulate policies. The accelerator programme provides you with the experience to do this by exposing you to different postings and departments, where you’ll build connections.

Path to success: For an accelerated route into a senior position in the civil service, check out the The Civil Service Fast Stream programme.

Charity Fundraiser

Charities and not-for-profit organisations rely on donations and funding, so they employ fundraisers to make sure they keep coming in. This is achieved through creating and developing relationships with supporters, organising activities and events, and raising awareness of the organisation on a local and national level. 

Path to success: Having a degree usually gives you an advantage when applying for fundraising roles and, for some, it is an essential entry requirement.

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