Many students ask how to get into politics, and it is a career path that many A-level Politics students take. From joining a political party to working directly for an MP and taking politics as a degree, there are so many ways in which you can get into politics. This blog post will look through some of your options.
Get into politics by joining a political party
Joining a political party is a very easy way to get into politics. You can join any of the political parties by paying the annual membership fee. Some parties even have lower fees for younger people, so you may be able to join for less money than you think. Choose a party with policies that you agree with, so you aren’t frustrated by the policies of the party you are a member of. You can see an outline of each party’s policies in our UK political parties blog post.
Once you have joined the party, you will be invited to party events, such as annual meetings and fundraising events. This will expose you to many people within local politics, such as councillors and those putting themselves up for election. You can also have a direct impact on your community by getting involved with organising and running local events.
You may also be able to voice your concerns and help shape policy that goes into party manifestos. This is one of the reasons why people get into politics in the first place: to make change and ensure their voice is heard. Directly participating in the political system will help with your understanding of the UK’s political system, and help with your A-level Politics studies.
Get into politics by campaigning
Another way to get into politics in the UK is through campaigning. This is easily done when you are a party member, as some parties may seek to hold local events and canvassing sessions, which includes doorknocking and talking to residents about their concerns and how the party can help them. This is a great way to get into politics directly, as you can put your passions into use to advocate for change.
You can also use campaigning to get into politics by helping to shape election strategies. There are many ways in which campaigning is done in the UK, from doorknocking to social media and direct advertising. Getting involved with some of these campaign methods will give you first-hand experience of how campaigns are run, and allow you to get into politics through the interests that you hold, enhancing your communication skills and ability to set out your position.
Get into politics by working for an MP
One of the best ways to get into politics directly is by working for your local MP. Whether its a parliamentary assistants or caseworker, these roles provide firsthand experience in the workings of government. These positions typically require strong research skills, the ability to communicate effectively, and a passion for public service.
Parliamentary assistants play crucial roles in helping MPs manage their workload; they conduct research, draft speeches, and respond to constituents’ queries. Internships, often short-term, provide a way to gain experience and build a professional network. These positions are typically unpaid, but they provide invaluable exposure to the legislative process and the opportunity to learn from seasoned professionals within Parliament.
You can try to get in touch with your MP directly, but the website W4MP.org posts jobs that MPs are looking for, so be sure to check out some of the openings.
Get into politics through the Civil Service
The Civil Service Fast Track Scheme is a prestigious program aimed at graduates who aspire to embark on a career in the civil service at a more advanced level. You’ll need to have achieved a degree first before you can apply.
To apply for the Fast Track Scheme, you must first complete an online application form, which includes providing their academic qualifications, work experience, and personal insights. The selection process incorporates several stages, including online tests to assess numerical and verbal reasoning, as well as a competency-based interview.
Key qualifications and skills sought after include strong communication capabilities, strategic thinking, and the ability to work collaboratively within teams. Individuals should be prepared to demonstrate their understanding of policy issues and current affairs, as these are integral components of a career in civil service. An awareness of the public sector’s dynamics and commitment to serving the community are also valued traits.
Joining the civil service through the Fast Track Scheme offers several advantages. Successful participants often find themselves in roles with significant responsibility early in their careers, allowing them to influence policy decisions and contribute to public initiatives. Moreover, the scheme provides valuable training and mentorship, equipping graduates with the tools necessary for their professional development.
The Fast Track Scheme not only serves as a gateway into politics but as a foundational step toward a meaningful and impactful career in the civil service, offering insight into the business of government outside of elected officials, meaning you can get directly into how the functioning of government works.
Get into politics with a politics degree
Pursuing a degree in politics is another option for those looking to get into politics. Political degrees cover a wide range of topics, with the content varying from university to university. Typically, first-year content will be an overview of a range of topics, before the course specialises into the remaining years. You may cover public policy, the functions of parliament, international relations and other topics.
One significant benefit of obtaining a politics degree is the enhancement of employability. Many employers in government, non-profit organisations, and consultancy firms prioritise candidates with the skills that a politics degree gives you. This includes critical thinking skills necessary to analyse complex political issues, conduct research, and make informed decisions.
There are also opportunities within a university environment that allow you to get into politics. From debating clubs to becoming an elected member of the National Union of Students (NUS) and student union representatives, a university environment may be the best way in which you get into politics and begin your journey to change the world.
Conclusion
Pursuing a degree in politics may be a strategic pathway to help you get into politics, but there are other ways you can too. From joining your local political party to applying to work for an MP, there are so many ways you can get involved, so have a browse of the options and get started on your political journey!
