With just five weeks to go before applications to the civil service fast stream are set to open. I saw this interesting article which may provide an insight into what it is like to work there and what to expect.
Gen Kawasaki, a KCL War Studies Graduate posted an insight onto LinkedIn about what to expect.
Here are some of the key points
1. Prepare for steep learning curves
Put your hand up, ‘get stuck in’ and proactively get involved in anything your team has to offer. Draft that submission, sit in on that ministerial pre-brief, set up the comms/engagement strategy, write that speech, organise that team away day. Learn, learn and learn - especially the fundamentals. Proactivity and curiosity will give you exposure to lots of interesting work and people !
2. Embrace Change
Don’t get fixated on a ‘single trajectory’. Did you want to do international work but got a domestic focused posting ? Did you want to get on that No.10 scheme but it didn’t work out ? hat’s ok - life rarely goes as planned. Be flexible and adaptable, there is so much to learn from each department. It is the mindset you have that will dictate what you get out of each posting!
3. Work for the job, but make the job work for you too
Every 4 months, sit down and look at where your gaps and weaknesses are. Discuss this with your manager and seek opportunities within your team that will help even out your experiences and skillsets!
4. Take extreme ownership and manage upwards
In your second and third year, you should aim to ‘own’ an area of work and be the ‘go to person’ for it. Know it inside out, run it like a well oiled machine and provide clear plans for execution and next steps for your seniors to provide steers and direction. This will help build your confidence in owning and leading a portfolio of work (which will grow overtime).
5. Get yourself a mentor
Get yourself a mentor - and don’t be afraid to have a few! A good mentor is a great sounding board, guide and advisor. I would not be lucky to get this far without the great support and advice I’ve received from my mentors.
6. Understand what leadership means to you
Understand what leadership means to you. How do you see yourself leading a team to the end goal? How do you see yourself uplifting people and improving team morale? How do you see yourself bringing a vision together for others to buy in? Read books on leadership, discuss this with your peers, and start thinking about what this could look like for you!
This is a really interesting insight into what it is like to work for the Civil Service and how you can best prepare yourself for the scheme
Check out the Civil Service Fast Stream below:
Fast Stream | Civil Service Careers (civil-service-careers.gov.uk)