YOUR GUIDE TO CAREERS IN POLITICS

Our city region recently hosted the Labour Party Conference, bringing the buzz of national politics to our doorstep. While many might feel that politics is an out-of-reach career path, events like the conference can be a trigger to explore the possibilities. 

In reality, there are many ways you can get started working in politics locally. This article explores several of them, showing that a political career might not be as far off as you think. Volunteering, local party membership, work experience, or academic study are all routes into politics, and our region offers a range of opportunities for anyone looking to turn a political interest into a profession.

The political landscape in the Liverpool City Region

Understanding how politics is organised in the Liverpool City Region will give you an insight into all the available opportunities. Our region is made up of six local councils, overseen by a Combined Authority led by a Metro Mayor. This means there are many opportunities for careers in politics that don’t revolve around Westminster. 

Furthermore, there are 17 parliamentary constituencies across the Liverpool City Region, each with an elected MP who represents the interests of their constituents in Parliament. Even if you like the idea of getting involved in politics at a national level, there are still many options to do this while staying local.

What careers are there in politics?

There are hundreds of roles in politics, from junior positions to senior appointments, each requiring different qualifications and experiences. Below is just a small selection which shows the variety on offer:

• Elected and representative roles: Member of Parliament, local councillor, Mayor, Metro Mayor
• Political party roles: Party researcher, policy officer, campaign organiser, communications officer, think tank researcher 
• Parliamentary and government roles: parliamentary researcher, assistant for an MP, special adviser, civil servant
• Policy and advocacy careers: policy analyst, public affairs consultant, trade union or campaign organisation officer 
• Media and communications: political correspondent or journalist for media outlets, PR specialist, political analyst

In such a diverse and varied field, there are many roles to suit different skills, interests, and experiences. Take some time to research them, as there might be opportunities you haven’t yet considered. 

Education & training pathways

For those considering a university education, a degree in politics can be a natural choice. The University of Liverpool offers a BA in Politics, and Hope University allows you to take politics in combination with another subject. Even if you haven’t followed the traditional route of A-Levels, the University of Liverpool’s Go Higher access programme offers a one-year, part-time, fast-track course for adult learners with few or no formal qualifications, which can enable you to make an application to a variety of undergraduate courses.

A degree in politics is widely respected and can open the door to a vast array of careers, with many graduates typically employed by councils, local and national government, lobbying and campaigning organisations, and public affairs consultancies. 

Non-traditional routes

However, formal education isn’t the only route into politics. In fact, many MPs don’t hold a degree in politics, and some didn’t go to university at all. Whether you’re still at school or you’ve decided university isn’t for you, there are many ways you can start gaining exposure to the world of politics beyond formal education.

Work experience and volunteering

Many MPs offer work experience placements in their constituency surgeries, during which you will usually help with paperwork, research, and campaigning, as well as having the opportunity to shadow an MP. As mentioned, there are 17 constituencies in the Liverpool City Region, giving you plenty of starting points. If this interests you, you can begin by contacting your local MP’s office to discuss available opportunities.

You can also gain work experience by volunteering for council committees, local campaigns, or party branches. During elections, you can volunteer at polling stations, gaining hands-on experience. When searching for opportunities for work experience and volunteering, remember that local government work can be as fulfilling as national politics.

Party membership

If you feel particularly aligned with one political party, it might be a good idea to become a member. Membership can be beneficial in staying up-to-date with local as well as national developments. Parties can offer opportunities for local volunteering, which can be a great addition to a CV. Many parties also have youth wings, offering an early start in building networks and kick-starting your political career.

Union and grassroots activism

For those already in work, becoming a trade union representative (‘rep’) can be a good way to gain experience in politics while making a real difference. A rep is a union member who represents and provides advice to colleagues when they have problems at work. It’s not a paid role, but it has excellent potential for making a breakthrough into national politics. Several prominent MPs began their political careers as union representatives. The insight into union experience can provide valuable knowledge of labour politics, policy-making, and campaigning, serving as a foundational experience for anyone considering a career in politics.

Entry-level roles in politics

Once you’ve built some experience, either through a relevant degree, volunteering, joining a party youth wing, or becoming a union rep, you might feel ready to take the next step into paid, entry-level roles in politics. These positions provide the opportunity to turn your skills and networks into a professional career. 

The sort of roles you might expect as your first job may include: 

• Working as an MP’s caseworker or parliamentary assistant 
• Local government roles, such as policy or communications 
• Party organiser or campaign assistant 
• Trade union official 

Each of these roles, as well as being rewarding in their own right, can act as a springboard, helping you develop the transferable skills and connections needed to progress further. Each political party typically has a vacancies page, showing party-specific jobs on offer. Even if you’re not yet at the point of looking for work, it can be a good idea to periodically check the positions on offer to gain some knowledge of typical employment opportunities in the field.

No barrier

Remember that it is possible to pursue all of the pathways and opportunities mentioned above locally. Geography is no barrier to getting started in the world of politics, and the Liverpool City Region, with its vibrant political scene, is an exciting place to launch your career. Even if it’s just signing up for a political party or checking for volunteering opportunities, there are steps you can take today, no matter your age or experience, to get started on a career path with endless possibilities.