Opening the door to UK politics: How is practical work experience broadening access to political careers?

Traditionally, the corridors of power have often been out of reach for those without the specialist knowledge and connections needed to gain entry. For those looking to build a future in the political world, these barriers can feel alienating and prevent students from some backgrounds from pursuing a political career.

At Queen Mary, we’re committed to opening the doors of opportunity for every student, which is why our Parliamentary Studies module is designed in collaboration with the Houses of Parliament to offer co-teaching and  a unique insight into the inner workings of Westminster.

With the recent news that Queen Mary is amongst just twenty-three universities in the UK that have been awarded the right to deliver this unique and highly regarded practical module, we’re proud of the impact of this collaborative engagement on the lives and careers of our alumni.

Our Parliamentary Placement module enhances this even further, by offering students the opportunity to undertake practical work at the heart of UK politics. Final year students are able to undertake a work placement in the office of an MP, in place of a traditional academic module.

We spoke to two of our alumni, Lucia Rouff, Civil Servant in the Home Office and Alan Kakkassery, Civil Servant in the Government Legal Department, who are now building successful careers in the civil service to understand the importance of equal access in politics and how the Parliamentary Placement module gave them the crucial skills to shape their own journey.

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QM: You completed the Parliamentary Placement module and are now building a successful political career. Firstly, congratulations! And secondly, what impact has the course had on your journey?

Lucia Rouff (LR): It threw us in the deep end and I learnt a lot in a short time span. I think there is a lot of anxiety in third year of what comes next, but this course and the placement gave me the experience I needed to feel equipped to apply to any job but also to navigate the workplace.

Alan Kakkassery (AK): This course has been fundamental in boosting my confidence when applying for jobs. My placement in Parliament provided me with invaluable experience and skills.

For example, preparing briefings sharpened my analytical skills, while drafting letters to ministerial departments and liaising with local council authorities honed my communication and influence abilities.

These skills are highly transferable across various roles, not just within the civil service. I frequently draw on these experiences during interviews, which has proven to be very advantageous.

QM: What particular skills and knowledge did you gain by being so close to the day-to-day workings of Parliament?

AK: The course greatly enhanced my networking skills and helped me build valuable connections. During my placement, I interacted with numerous MPs, parliamentary assistants, and civil servants.

My office manager became a mentor, providing ongoing guidance and career advice. I continue to assist my MP on a constituency level, volunteering at annual events and helping in the office whenever possible. These connections have been crucial to my professional growth and development.

LR: We can use what we’ve learnt in an academic context for the day-to-day. It provides transferable skills for any career, and I think it gave me a lot of confidence going forward in the job market.

We also have the opportunity to network and meet people that work in many different fields - even if politics isn’t your cup of tea – we might be introduced to an area or role that we love. I’ve made really amazing relationships with the people I worked with who continue to guide and mentor me. 

QM: How are you using these skills in your role today?

LR: The course gave me that foundational knowledge to apply in parliament and then a step further in the civil service. It taught me about processes, terminology, legislation and how to work with parliamentarians and other groups such as charities, embassies and unions.

Having a combination of an academic understanding and practical experience from Parliament has been incredibly helpful in my new role. I use those theoretical skills of writing, researching, effectively communicating alongside the understanding and experience of how politics works on the ground, every day in my role. 

AK: The skills I gained during my placement are essential in my current role as a Legal Business Management Officer in the Government Legal Department. Effective communication, influence, and the ability to meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment are crucial.

My time working with MPs equipped me with these skills, enabling me to manage various stakeholders and government departments effectively. Preparing briefings and understanding policy motivations are tasks I handle daily, skills that were honed during my placement.

QM: What was the biggest benefit of a practical course like this?

AK: The practical nature of the course made it more personal and impactful. Traditional academic courses often focus on theoretical knowledge and scholarly evaluations. In contrast, this course allowed me to witness politics firsthand, enabling me to make my own assessments and potentially contribute to the field as a scholar. This direct engagement with the political realm provided a unique and enriching learning experience.

The course is highly regarded by employers, often prompting questions about my experiences during interviews. The diverse skill set I developed is incredibly useful, particularly for roles within the civil service, though it is applicable to many other fields as well.

LR: Queen Mary has a unique relationship with Parliament and being based in London is a real asset. This course is an open door and I really recommend taking the chance, even the experience of applying is valuable.

QM: And finally, what advice would you give someone who was considering choosing a course with active working experience?

AK: I highly recommend choosing a course with active working experience. It serves as an excellent springboard into post-university opportunities. Employers value practical skills, and a course that includes work experience will give you a significant advantage. It not only enhances your resume but also provides real-world examples to draw from during job interviews.

LR: Absolutely do it. Take the chance and make the best of it, you never know where it’ll take you. 

Want to know more about how our practical learning courses are opening the doors of opportunity for every student?

Read more alumni success stories.

Find out more about the BA Politics course.