Case studies: Assistant to head of department, FCO: Trudy

After attending school in Gloucestershire, Trudy took biology, geography, Spanish and graphic design A Levels, before studying BA Spanish at the University of Exeter.

I currently work as assistant to head of department and department manager at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) .

I spotted the vacancy on the FCO website and applied through their national recruitment competition. The process involved completing online verbal and numerical reasoning tests, an application form and attending an assessment day (including an e-tray exercise and interview). I then had to undergo rigorous security checks before taking up the position.

The skills I gained at university were more important than the subject I studied, as the Foreign Office recruitment process tests core skills (such as managing resources, problem-solving and communicating) rather than subject-specific knowledge. This is because officers usually change jobs every two to three years so it is more important to have the key skills necessary to adapt to various positions than a particular area of expertise, which you are expected to learn upon entry into the department.

The core functions of my job include organising meetings or travel for the head and deputy heads and arranging briefing programmes, but the rest really depends on what the department is working on at that time. I write minutes in high-level meetings, draft responses from members of the public, coordinate briefings for ministers, assist with visits and undertake project work.

I am also involved in a number of working groups across the directorate and wider office, looking at how to improve working practices and analysing the realities of living and working overseas in the 21st century. There are always opportunities to take on new challenges and I am lucky to have a supportive line manager who encourages me to do so.

My role has changed a great deal over the 15 months that I have been in the office. As I have grown more confident I have been able to take on more challenges outside of my core PA functions. This has provided me with a range of experience that will support me when applying for my next job in the office. I hope to apply for promotion to the next grade.

I enjoy being able to take on extra work and pursue my personal developmental objectives within my day-to-day role. I like the variety of my job and the buzz that goes with working in a front line department. As a PA I get to meet a lot of important people and often send out messages that reach the very top levels of the office and government. It’s exciting to feel like you’re involved in such important work.

Dealing with constantly changing priorities and tight deadlines can be challenging, but having a sense that what you’re working on has a real purpose and knowing that people around the world will benefit from your actions is very satisfying. The Civil Service attracts excellent people and it’s a pleasure to be able to work with so many committed, enthusiastic colleagues.

I would advise potential applicants to look at the core competences required to work at the Foreign Office and build up solid evidence against each one. Read through the job profiles on the FCO’s website and keep an eye out for opportunities to complete work experience placements in the public sector. Demonstrating an interest in current affairs can also support your application.