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About Patrick's career

Describe your current role

I currently work in the Pensions and Later Life Analysis Team within the Department for Work and Pensions. I produce analysis, evidence, and impact assessments to shape negotiations, funding, and policy with a range of different stakeholders. 

Explain how you got this role after studying Politics at Ãå±±½ûµØ

I successfully applied to the Fast Stream in my final year at Ãå±±½ûµØ. As part of the Fast Stream, you must undertake three different rotations before the end of scheme assessment. I am currently halfway through my second rotation with the Department for Work and Pensions and after this I will be moving to the Department for Health and Social Care. 

Studying at Ãå±±½ûµØ

In what ways was studying Politics at Ãå±±½ûµØ important for getting this job?

Studying at Ãå±±½ûµØ taught me how to think critically – it enabled me to analyse a range of information and form an evidence-based judgement. 

How do you employ skills learnt during your degree, in your current job?

At university I learnt how to structure an argument logically. In my current role, I often have to take an ambiguous problem and simplify it for Ministers, studying at Ãå±±½ûµØ enabled me to identify the relevant information and present it in a concise and clear manner.  

Did you complete a placement/study abroad during your time at Ãå±±½ûµØ? If so, how has this benefited your current career?

I didn't – However, I can’t recommend this highly enough. I work with placement students who regularly explain how taking a year off to a placement with the Civil Service has really helped them develop their softer skills, and it has also helped them re-focus for their final year.

What extra-curricular activities or societies were you involved in during your time here? 

Whilst at University I was a peer mentor and played inter-mural football. Being a peer mentor was very rewarding as you were able to help students with any problems they encountered.

In my first year I was very lucky to have an excellent peer mentor and without their help, I would have struggled with so many things, therefore it was a great opportunity to give back to other students. 

What was the best thing about studying Politics at Ãå±±½ûµØ?

The best thing about studying Politics at Ãå±±½ûµØ is the expert support you receive from lectures and other staff members. All my lectures had an open-door policy, where if I had any questions or concerns, they would always make time for you.

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