There are a variety of roles in the areas of Policy and Public Affairs which enable individuals to have an impact on legislation, public policy, and national (or even beyond) life in general. Some roles are connected to specific political parties, others are independent. Some focus on particular issues (e.g., conservation, health, income), others are more wide-ranging.
Read job profiles and case studies on Prospects – search for:
- Public affairs consultant
- Politician’s assistant
- Government social research officer
- Trade union research officer
- Social researcher
- Policy officer
– these will give you an idea of entry routes and experience needed.
This post doesn’t provide an exhaustive list of careers resources and vacancy sites but it will give you a flavour of sector specific careers information and job sites that are out there – just waiting for you to find them. Exploring them is a great way to find careers that we perhaps never knew existed…
A pick-and-mix of resources about careers in Policy and Public Affairs:
Thinking of becoming a Public Affairs Consultancy Researcher ? You can find out more about the day-to-day job by reading live vacancies for new entrants to the profession here: GraduateForward Jobs Board
Did you know The Hansard Society is the UK’s leading source of independent advice and research on Parliament and parliamentary affairs?
The Scottish Universities Life Sciences Alliance (SULSA) has booklets of post-academic careers, including policy roles.
You can visit the Smart Thinking website to learn more about think tank jobs (including what a think tank is) and employers by browsing vacancies.
Local Government is an often overlooked source of opportunities for research and analytical careers – you will need a broad knowledge of research methods and a good understanding of local government. The LGA website has a helpful (but slightly vintage – so take with a pinch of salt) resource on Careers in local government research.
If this post has piqued your curiosity, and you’re not sure what to do next:
- Have a Career Development Consultation with Eleanor or Darcey to help clarify your thinking and next steps
