Politician's assistant
Politicians' assistants provide administrative, secretarial, research, constituency, parliamentary and publicity support for elected politicians, who may be Members of Parliament (MPs), Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs), Members of the Welsh or Northern Ireland Assembly, or Members of the European Parliament (MEPs).
Politicians' assistants may also be referred to as parliamentary or constituency assistants (depending on where they are based), personal assistants (PAs), research assistants, case workers or executive secretaries. Although job titles and locations vary, the basic task is to do whatever behind-the-scenes work is necessary to enable Members to represent their constituents. Politicians generally have between one and three assistants.
Although tasks vary depending on whether an assistant is based in the local constituency office or parliament (London, Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Brussels or Strasbourg), typical work activities may include:
Although this area of work is open to all graduates, a degree in the following subjects may increase your chances:
Entry is rarely possible without a degree and may be difficult even with an ordinary degree without honours or HND. Exceptionally, entry may be possible without a degree if you have excellent secretarial skills which are particularly needed in the job.
A postgraduate qualification may be an advantage, especially one that provides in-depth knowledge of specific policy issues, but it is not essential.
For some posts, a higher level of numeracy may be required, particularly for those assistants whose role involves managing finances or statistical research. Although not always essential, competency in a second EU language is a significant advantage for those working in the European Parliament.
It is almost essential to have relevant work experience, such as shadowing a politician, an internship at a constituency or parliamentary office, volunteering with a non-governmental organisation (NGO) or think tank. An interest in politics and current affairs is also important and you should be up to date with local, regional, national and international matters and the party's political stance on key themes. Membership of the relevant political party is often required, or at least empathy with the party's principles. Involvement with your university's politics society will demonstrate your interest, but be aware that some types of political activism can be viewed negatively. Involvement in activities such as a student council or students' union is also beneficial.
Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:
Being a politician's assistant not only demands strong research skills and an interest in politics, but also calls for all of the qualities you would associate with an administrative or secretarial position. Many of the necessary skills come with experience or can be aided by attending courses.
Speak to the politics department and politics society at your educational institution and keep up to date with politicians' newsletters, etc. Networking is an excellent way of finding out about opportunities and making a good impression.
Seize opportunities to do internships and voluntary work for politicians and political parties. Volunteer jobs often lead to paid positions.
Competition is strong and many posts are obtained by applying speculatively and networking. Recruitment usually reaches a peak in the run-up to a general election and there is often a 'shakeout' of staff immediately afterwards, regardless of whether the party has been successful.
These roles are often viewed as stepping stones to more senior posts, within MPs' offices and beyond, so it is not surprising that most post holders in Westminster are under the age of 40.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
The majority of training for politicians' assistants is on the job, with more experienced assistants training up new members of staff. A great deal is learnt from experience, especially where casework and dealing with constituents is concerned. Information about courses is circulated internally to parliamentary and constituency staff.
Politicians generally encourage their staff to attend relevant internal and external training courses to ensure they are equipped with the skills they need to do their job well. Training generally includes a range of internal IT courses, access to courses that explain how central and/or devolved parliament and Westminster work, and information sessions provided by policy bodies and departments prior to legislation being implemented.
It is unusual for politicians to allow time or provide financial support for assistants to gain undergraduate or postgraduate qualifications. In terms of building up your skills portfolio, it is important for assistants to develop as many skills as possible to enhance their employability and to be aware of and seize training opportunities, as there is very little job security in this role.
There is no conventional or structured career path for this profession. Politicians' assistants tend to have diverse backgrounds and aspirations, although some look on the role as a stepping-stone to a political career.
The skills, experience and knowledge they gain make them very employable, particularly in roles where they can use their research skills and understanding of the political system. Constituency-based assistants often see a move to a parliamentary office as the next step.
Politicians' assistants should aim to take on increasing responsibility and build up their experience by specialising in a particular policy area or by being involved with select committees. They can also make useful contacts and make a name for themselves. Many assistants carry out financial and line management duties and build a portfolio of press releases, articles and policy involvement. They can also move into the area of speech writing and research.
Career moves may include:
Politicians' assistants are favourably regarded by employers in other parts of the political system, external bodies and all organisations in between, so other options are:
Employers of politicians’ assistants are, by definition, politicians and political parties.
The politicians may be members of the:
All the parties represented within these parliaments and assemblies employ politicians' assistants. Even the parties that do not enjoy parliamentary representation may employ paid assistants if they have sufficient funds, but salaries and working conditions are likely to be much poorer than in the larger parties.
Contact party headquarters and regional party headquarters to enquire about opportunities. Send speculative applications to individual members, as vacancies are often not externally advertised. Ensure speculative applications are tailored to the interests of the particular member by using Dods People .
Get tips on job hunting, CVs and covering letters and interviews.
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