We continue our Careers for Social Good campaign with this blog from Katie Wright, Government Policy Fast Streamer. Katie shares her experience of life after graduation, applying to the Civil Service and life on Fast Stream.
In my final year at the University of Edinburgh, the Civil Service Fast Stream felt like the opportunity. It promised variety, responsibility, and meaningful work — and after speaking to Fast Streamers at the careers fair, I was genuinely inspired. That evening, I applied.
I didn’t get through.
At the time, it felt like a door closing. Soon after, Covid arrived. Many graduate schemes were withdrawn, travel wasn’t possible, and the “next step” I had imagined disappeared. I felt lost and a little defeated.
What I didn’t realise then was that this rejection wasn’t the end — it was a detour.
Finding direction through experience
I had always been drawn to public service, but first, I needed experience. After graduating with a degree in Chinese — at a time when it felt challenging to find relevant work — I joined the NHS as a Contact Tracer. From October 2021 to July 2022, I supported people through stressful and complex situations. Over the months, I was promoted to Team Leader, managing a small team and representing my region at national meetings. The experience gave me confidence, strengthened my leadership skills, and showed me the impact of effective decision-making under pressure.
Later, I moved to London and joined a small start-up marketing agency, helping Western brands like JELLYCAT reach Chinese audiences in the UK, and quickly took on responsibilities across HR, operations, and finance. I managed budgets, drafted bilingual contracts, organised team training, and helped implement a new project management system. Every day brought something different, challenging me to learn new skills and adapt in ways I hadn’t anticipated — and I loved it.
Both roles were intense and invaluable. They also gave me the perspective to approach the Civil Service differently, reinforcing that, even after exploring other paths, I still wanted a career in public service.
Learning how to play the game
I kept applying for Civil Service roles, but wasn’t getting interviews. Eventually, I took the time to understand the process: how to structure examples with the STAR method and align them with Civil Service behaviours. That knowledge made all the difference.
In April 2023, I joined the Department for Work and Pensions in a governance and private office role, working closely with senior leaders, including the Permanent Secretary. I gained a clear view of how the government operates, built relationships across departments, and learned the importance of influence, collaboration, and attention to detail. I also gained minor legislation experience, even sitting in the House of Commons “in the box” as one of our bills was passed.
Then, in October 2023, an email arrived: last chance to apply to the Fast Stream. I nearly ignored it, assuming it was only for graduates. But this time, I approached the application with experience and perspective, carefully preparing each stage. Step by step, I progressed further than I ever had before, and when the offer finally came, it felt truly earned.
Life on the Fast Stream
I’m now on the Government Policy Fast Stream. My first posting was in the Cabinet Office, working on national security policy. This role gave me exposure to international partners, embassy visits, and opportunities to contribute to cross-government policy decisions. My current role is in the Home Office, shaping identity and DNA-related policy, where I have autonomy to develop improved proposals. Across both postings, I’ve also provided private office cover for ministers, supporting them with briefings and correspondence. Over the past 18 months, I’ve travelled across the UK, engaged with senior stakeholders, and built networks — experiences that show just how varied and dynamic a Civil Service career can be.
As part of the scheme, I’m also completing a postgrad qualification in Public Policy at King’s College London, combining academic learning with practical policy experience. I’m continuing to maintain my Chinese skills through language classes offered at the Foreign Office, building on the degree that initially sparked my career path.
What I want students to know
Looking back, I’m grateful I didn’t get in the first time. The experience taught me that sometimes you need to gain skills and perspective before the opportunity is right. If your path takes a few detours, that’s okay — it can still lead you exactly where you’re meant to be.
Thank you Katie for this open and honest look into your graduate career. You can connect with Katie on LinkedIn.
