If you’re not looking for a graduate scheme but still want a career in politics, there are plenty of alternative routes—especially in the UK. Politics careers often develop through experience, networks, and practical engagement, not just formal schemes. Here’s how you can get started and progress:
Work for an MP or Political Office
You don’t need a grad scheme to land a job as a:
- Parliamentary assistant
- Caseworker
- Constituency support officer
- Communications officer
How to find these roles:
- W4MP (Work for an MP) – the go-to site for Parliamentary jobs.
- Follow MPs and political parties on social media—they often advertise roles directly.
- Send speculative applications to MPs whose values you align with, especially backbenchers.
Political Party Roles
Join the party you support and:
- Volunteer at local and national levels
- Run as a local councillor (many do this part-time alongside other jobs)
- Apply for staff roles in research, media, digital, or policy units within party HQs
Parties often recruit internally from volunteers or activists.
Campaigning and Activism
Work for issue-based groups or charities:
- NGOs like Shelter, Liberty, or Greenpeace often hire campaigns officers, public affairs assistants, or policy researchers
- These roles offer real political influence without party alignment
You can also get involved in grassroots campaigns, and build networks that lead to political jobs.
Think Tanks and Research Roles
UK-based think tanks like:
- Chatham House
- IPPR
- Policy Exchange
- Institute for Government
- Onward
… hire researchers and comms staff.
These jobs require strong writing, analytical, and policy skills. Entry-level roles are competitive but don’t require grad schemes—look for “research assistant” or “communications assistant” listings.
Political Journalism and Media
Start contributing to:
- Student newspapers
- Political blogs (Left Foot Forward, Conservative Home, Politics.co.uk)
- Podcasts or YouTube political commentary
Build a portfolio of writing, then pitch for freelance pieces or apply for assistant roles in political media teams (news outlets, MPs, parties).
Public Affairs and Lobbying
Lobbying and public affairs consultancies are often a gateway into politics. Jobs include:
- Policy officer
- Parliamentary liaison
- Government relations advisor
Try firms like:
- Hanbury Strategy
- Portland Communications
- APCO Worldwide
- GK Strategy
Look out for entry-level research roles (even internships) that can lead to permanent positions.
Civil Society and Public Sector Roles
NGOs, charities, and local councils employ people in:
- Policy
- Advocacy
- Youth engagement
- Democratic services
These are practical ways to influence politics from outside Westminster.
Tips to Build Your Political Career Without a Grad Scheme
- Start small: volunteer on campaigns, help local councillors, or write articles.
- Network smartly: go to public lectures, fringe events, party meetups.
- Stay visible: post consistently on LinkedIn or X (formerly Twitter) about politics.
- Build a skillset: writing, social media, public speaking, research.