Public affairs consultant : Entry requirements

Although this area of work is open to all graduates, the following subjects may increase your chances:

• politics;
• public relations;
• journalism;
• business/management;
• social policy;
• modern European languages;
• law.

Experience in and around politics, together with personal qualities, are more important than your degree subject.

Entry with an HND only is unlikely due to the competitive nature of the profession, although those with political and campaigning experience may be successful.

Although a postgraduate qualification is not essential, some entrants do have a Masters degree, often in politics or a related subject. There are also public affairs postgraduate courses available at various institutions. Brunel University , for example, offers an MSc in Public Affairs and Lobbying; Aberdeen Business School  offers an MSc in Corporate Communications and Public Affairs; and the University of Ulster  in Belfast offers a PgDip/MSc in Political Lobbying and Public Affairs. Some postgraduate degrees in PR include a government relations module.

Pre-entry experience related to politics is essential in order to develop the necessary skill set and contacts. This experience is usually gained through:

• voluntary work or internships, such as working for an MP, peer or a member of another political institution (see Working for an MP (W4MP)  for vacancies);
• involvement with a political party, for example as a political party agent or activist, trade union, think tank or employers' organisation;
• involvement in student politics and/or holding office in a students' union;
• campaigning work for a charity or pressure group;
• large public affairs consultancies offering internships to undergraduates;
• a work placement (stage) within one of the European institutions.

Some public affairs consultancies offer internships to undergraduates lasting from a few weeks to 12 months. Opportunities are not always advertised so you are also advised to apply speculatively using a well-thought through and targeted CV and covering letter.

Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:

• a strong interest in, and enthusiasm for, politics, policy issues and current affairs;
• excellent research and communication (written and oral) skills;
• the ability to assimilate, analyse and summarise written material quickly;
• time management skills and the ability to work to tight deadlines;
• the ability to organise and prioritise your own workload;
• interpersonal skills;
• the ability to work on your own initiative and to relate well to colleagues, as well as clients and other contacts;
• teamworking skills;
• excellent listening skills, as well as the ability to take an impartial view;
• IT skills, as many information sources, such as Hansard , are online and you will often have to prepare documents and Powerpoint presentations for clients and potential clients;
• the ability to inspire trust and confidence in clients as they may be making extremely commercially sensitive decisions, based in part on your advice, and will therefore need to trust your judgement and discretion;
• commercial awareness, in order to attract new business.

It is vital to network as much as possible in order to establish and develop a relationship with decision-makers, influencers and those who lobby them. Attend debates, political seminars and receptions and attend party conferences to meet key contacts.

Competition for posts is fierce. The PubAffairs  website includes a list of organisations that offer graduate opportunities. Register with specialist recruitment agencies to gain access to advice, expertise and opportunities. Use consultancies' websites and general politics sites to keep yourself informed about public affairs generally. These sites may also carry job vacancies.

For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.