Government and public administration : Entry and progression

How do I find a job?

The Civil Service runs a graduate programme called the Civil Service Fast Stream, consisting of a series of 12-18 month placements designed to prepare you for senior management. Some posts are available only to UK nationals, but most are open to Commonwealth Citizens or European Economic Area Nationals with unrestricted right to reside in the UK. 

To join the Fast Stream, you need a minimum 2:2 in any discipline. There are several routes to choose from:

• Graduate Fast Stream;
• Economists’ Fast Stream;
• Statisticians’ Fast Stream;
• Technology in Business Fast Stream;
• HR Fast Stream.

Some government departments offer graduate schemes, including HM Treasury, The Highways Agency (HA) and the Ministry of Defence through the Defence Engineering and Science Group (DESG). HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) also have a graduate scheme but will not be recruiting from it in 2010. Details on all schemes are available on departmental websites.

Regional government

The Scottish Government advertises vacancies on the Work for Scotland  website and the Northern Ireland Executive  advertises via the Northern Ireland Civil Service Recruitment website. The Welsh Assembly Government takes part in the national Civil Service Fast Stream and other posts are advertised directly on the National Assembly for Wales  website. All organisations advertise vacancies in the national and local press and on the Civil Service Jobs Online.

Local government

The National Graduate Development Programme (NGDP) is a graduate scheme for local government throughout England and Wales. The two-year programme consists of placements in a local authority covering strategic and corporate functions, front-line service delivery and support services such as human resources, finance and IT.

Some local authorities run their own graduate scheme. Visit the website of the council you are interested in to explore the options.

Sources of vacancies include:

• Civil Service Jobs
• Jobcentre Plus
• jobsgopublic  
• Local Government Jobs  
• Local Government Talent  
• local authorities’ own websites and vacancy listings;
• local, regional and national press particularly The Guardian on Wednesdays;
• My Job Scotland
• Opportunities: The Public Sector Media  
• relevant professional journals and websites;
• sector1

Find out more about job application advice.

What skills do I need?

Many opportunities exist within government and public administration and the skills required will depend on the specific job in question.

However, most jobs demand: 

• communication skills;
• teamwork;
• planning;
• organising;
• a flexible approach.

Additional skills that graduate schemes require, include the ability to: 

• make evidence based decisions;
• be proactive; 
• handle pressure;
• motivate others;
• make an impact. 

You can develop these skills and attributes through societies and sports activities, as well as through volunteering and placement opportunities.

Where can I find work experience?

• Work experience and internships in central government are available - look at Civil Service Jobs .
• Some departments advertise paid summer placements and work experience on their websites.
• Many graduates obtain work experience in local government through speculative applications and networking.
• Work experience in voluntary organisations or other public sector organisations will provide you with invaluable skills.
• Any work experience in a relevant field or with a similar client group will also help, i.e. in an architects' firm if you want to work in the local authority planning office.

Is postgraduate study useful?

• This depends on the job. For more specialised positions, a postgraduate qualification may be a requirement or provide an advantage. If you have a career area in mind, speak with a careers adviser at your university to find out more.
• Further study is generally supported if it is related to your current role. Some government departments and local authorities offer financial support and/or study leave.

How can my career develop?

• Larger local authorities and central government departments offer more opportunities for progression within the department due to their size.
• Graduates may be able to apply for promoted posts within 12-18 months. 
• If you start at an advanced level (often called officer or coordinator) you may expect to apply for managerial roles after two-three years. Opportunities then exist to progress to team leader, departmental manager or director. 
• Local authorities often advertise positions for internal candidates only, and this trend has increased following cutbacks and the need for staff redeployment. 
• Graduates may have to consider looking for work in a less advanced role within their chosen department with a view to applying for future internal positions.