What jobs can you do in parliament as a politics student?

University courses Politics
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:office_worker: What Jobs Can You Do in Parliament as a Politics Student?

There are a wide variety of roles inside and around Parliament for Politics grads — from research and policy to operations and public engagement.

:briefcase: Parliamentary Assistant / MP Staffer

  • Work directly for a Member of Parliament
  • Duties: casework, research, speechwriting, comms
  • Can be based in Westminster or in MP’s constituency

:bar_chart: Parliamentary Researcher

  • In-depth policy and legislative research
  • Drafting briefings, monitoring parliamentary activity
  • Sometimes in House of Commons Library or an MP’s office

:judge: Clerk of the House / Committee Clerk

  • Permanent civil servant roles within Parliament
  • Clerks advise MPs on procedure and support select committees
  • Competitive fast-stream-style route into a long-term career

:microphone: Public Affairs / Communications Roles

  • Roles within Parliament’s press team or external orgs like think tanks or charities
  • Writing press releases, speeches, managing media

:teacher: Education & Outreach Officer (Parliamentary Outreach Team)

  • Deliver workshops/tours for schools and public
  • Promote engagement in democracy

:locked: House of Commons / Lords Administration Roles

  • Includes HR, legal, finance, IT, security, catering, etc.
  • Many politics grads go into Parliamentary Digital Service or admin teams

:test_tube: Committee Specialist / Scrutiny Roles

  • Work for a Select Committee
  • Prepare inquiries, analyse evidence, liaise with witnesses
  • e.g. Foreign Affairs Committee, Home Affairs Committee

:balance_scale: Hansard Reporter / Legal Advisor

  • Hansard = official record of debates
  • Or work on legal interpretation of rules/procedures (for law/politics grads)

:door: Honourable Mentions:

  • Fast Stream (Civil Service) – Parliamentary placements often part of it
  • Party Political Roles – researcher, press officer, campaigner
  • Lobbyist or Think Tank Analyst – often work closely with Parliament

:rocket: How to Get In:

  • Internships/Work Experience: through MP offices, Hansard Society, or Parliamentary Placement Scheme
  • Speaker’s Parliamentary Placement Scheme (diversity-focused)
  • Parliamentary Office of Science & Technology (POST): sometimes takes politics grads
  • Apply via Civil Service Jobs for admin/clerk roles
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