Government and Policy Insight Events - What We've Learned & Next Steps

With 3/5 events completed for our Government and Policy Sector Insight Events, we wanted to review our key learnings from Autumn events, and how to learn more in preparation for our Spring events!

We have two events in the Spring term for you to look forward to:  

• Think Tanks Panel and Networking Event – Thursday 18th January 
• Local Government Panel and Networking Event – Wednesday 31st January  

Keep an eye out on your MyUCLCareers account to sign up for these events when they become public! 

Here is a rundown of our events so far, key takeaways and what we have learned from Government and Policy professionals in years past...  

Government & Policy Sector Insight Programme: Civil Service Fast Stream Presentation and Q&A   

• Evidence Based Skills – Skills such as researching, data analysis, collaboration, critical thinking, and more are key to show. This can be done by showing how you developed these skills in academia, work experience, leadership, and extracurricular experiences and more. 
• The Sector is Vast –There are several different opportunities when looking for positions available in the Government and Policy field with roles think tanks, research, policy, local government etc. Even in specificorganisations there are a variety of roles on offer – in the Civil Service alone there are a huge number of fast stream options such asthe diplomatic scheme, generalist(government policy/ operational delivery), statistical service, project delivery and more.  
• Sector Expectations – Governmentemployers like you to bring skills and experience from other sectors to inform yourpractice, and this can help develop your prospects later in your career. Government and Policy is a sector where staff turnover is fairly high as staff tend to move around within the sector to gain promotion and wider experience. A variety of background and knowledge can be adventitious.  

Government & Policy Sector Insights: Approaching CVs and Networking  

• Develop Application Documents – Perfecting your CV and Cover Letter to show your skills and spending time to articulate your motivation for the company and the role will help you stand out in the application process.Previous panellists have emphasised the importance of discussing the necessity for motivation and highlighting that you have done research on the organisation that you are applying for to make a compelling application.You can use the UCL Careers resources to support you in writing and tailoring each application. Booking in for an appointment with UCL Careers can also be a good step in reviewing and developing your application materials.  
• Networking is Key – Creating connections is essential in Government and Policy. Networking and connecting with potential employers at UCL and Careers events, through LinkedIn and via the Alumni Network is a great way to get started in building your network in the sector.   

Government & Policy Sector Insights: An Introduction to the Sector Panel and Networking  

• Employment Opportunities –There are graduate schemes in the Government and Policy Sector – such as at Green Alliance – with a few openings per year.You can also find opportunities via the LG Jobs website.  
• Academic Background – The level of your education (PhD, Masters, or Bachelors) and degree background you have are not barriers to entering the field.Studying beyond a first degree is not essential to success in most parts of the sector. Academic backgrounds can vary in Government and Policy, but the skills you have are essential to show in the application process. You don’t necessarily need to be a subject expert in a particular area to work in it (e.g. in the Treasury), but there is an expectation that you can gain the expertise needed in a particular role if you bring the right underlying skillset. 
• Great Job Satisfaction – While Government and Policy tends to not be as high paying as other sectors, particularly early in your career, there is a great deal of job satisfaction to be gained by work in this sector, particularly due to the intellectual challenges and opportunities for learning new topics and skills. 

In each events page linked above we have useful resources including session recordings, event slides, resources and speaker bios.  

Sector Resources  

Further UCL Resources focused on Government and Policy related guidance can be found here:  

Online Careers Resource Library  

• Ria Ismail Alumni Case Study – Civil Service  
• Careers in Government and Policy – a UCL Guide 
• Careers in Think Tanks – a UCL Guide  
• Careers in Policy Development – a UCL Guide  
• Local Government Officer Information  
• Policy Research Information 
• Graduate Job in Central or Local Government 
• Working In Local Government 

Government and Policy Resources at UCL and Beyond... 

• Stay connected with the Political Science Department and to utilise LinkedIn Learning to develop more knowledge about the field. 
• The Constitution Unit – aunique element at UCL – conducts independent research into change and reform in political bodies. Subscribing to The Constitution Unit gives students access to information such as newsletters, events, and opportunities to work with the unit. 
• Follow the Institute of Government and Public Policy ‘X’ (previously ‘Twitter’) account to develop knowledge and stay connected to the Government and Policy industry. 
• Sign up for organisation and Think Tank newsletters – such as at The Sutton Trust –to develop sector knowledge and stay informed of future employment opportunities. Signing up for membership in professional organisations is another way to increase learning and expand networks.