Breaking into those hard-to-reach politics sectors
Some politics-related sectors are notoriously competitive due to limited opportunities, high barriers to entry, or the need for strong networks. Here are some of the hardest sectors to break into and how to improve your chances.
Diplomatic Service & International Relations
Why it’s hard:
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Highly competitive selection processes (e.g., UK Civil Service Fast Stream, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office).
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Requires strong academic credentials, language skills, and geopolitical awareness.
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Long and uncertain career progression.
How to break in:
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Gain experience through internships (e.g., FCDO, UN, Chatham House).
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Learn additional languages, especially those relevant to diplomacy (e.g., Mandarin, Arabic, or French).
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Build expertise in international law, security studies, or area-specific politics.
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Consider postgraduate degrees in international relations or public policy.
Intelligence & Counter-Terrorism
Why it’s hard:
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Requires high-level security clearance.
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Intense competition for roles at MI5, MI6, GCHQ, and other intelligence agencies.
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Often demands niche skills such as cyber intelligence, data analysis, or regional expertise.
How to break in:
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Apply for intelligence-related internships (e.g., UK Intelligence Services’ summer diversity schemes).
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Develop analytical and cyber skills—learning OSINT (Open-Source Intelligence) techniques can be useful.
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Gain language skills in high-priority areas (e.g., Russian, Arabic, Mandarin).
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Look into criminology, international security, or intelligence-focused master’s degrees.
Political Journalism & Broadcasting
Why it’s hard:
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Media organisations have fewer full-time roles due to financial pressures.
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Requires a mix of writing skills, networking, and sometimes unpaid work.
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High-pressure and unpredictable work environments.
How to break in:
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Build a portfolio by writing for student publications, blogs, or political websites.
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Apply for internship schemes at BBC, The Guardian, The Spectator, or Politico.
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Gain multimedia skills (video editing, podcasting, social media analytics).
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Network through journalism events and Twitter/X engagement.
Public Affairs & Lobbying
Why it’s hard:
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Highly competitive and often requires strong political connections.
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Entry-level roles are limited, and many start as unpaid interns.
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Requires deep knowledge of legislative processes and policy-making.
How to break in:
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Intern at public affairs consultancies (e.g., Edelman, Portland, Weber Shandwick).
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Gain experience with political parties, pressure groups, or think tanks.
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Build a strong LinkedIn presence and attend networking events.
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Consider a master’s in public policy or political communication.
Academia & Political Research
Why it’s hard:
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Requires extensive academic qualifications (PhD is often a must).
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High competition for limited tenure-track positions.
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Pressure to publish research and secure funding.
How to break in:
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Gain research assistant experience during university.
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Publish articles in student journals or online platforms.
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Consider pursuing a funded PhD in political science or international relations.
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Apply for research fellowships at think tanks or academic institutions.
International Development & Human Rights
Why it’s hard:
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Many roles require extensive fieldwork experience in developing regions.
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Some entry-level positions are unpaid or offer low salaries.
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NGOs and IGOs (like the UN) have rigorous selection processes.
How to break in:
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Volunteer or intern with organisations like Amnesty International, Oxfam, or grassroots NGOs.
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Gain experience in policy research, grant writing, or humanitarian fieldwork.
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Develop expertise in migration, conflict resolution, or sustainable development.
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Learn relevant languages (e.g., French for West Africa, Spanish for Latin America).