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Politics & International Relations

There are many different career options for those with a Politics and International Relations background. The academic discipline as well as the skills acquired through the degree are very desireable.

You can download the powerpoint presentation "Politics & International Relations - What next|?" Or listen to a podcast| about working in parliament.

Typical Careers
Our Graduates
Further Study
Not sure?

Politics and International Relations degrees can lead to anything - from accountancy to retail. There are however several more vocational options:

The college contacts students six months after graduation find out what they are doing.

In 2010, six months after graduating -

PIR2011data

Specifically, the jobs they secured include:

Business Analysts
Chartered Accountants
Immigration Officers
Public Relations Officers
Fundraising, Campaigns and Appeals Officers
Conference co-ordinators
Public Affairs executives
Legal assistants
Trade Union officials

You can find similar data| from accross several London colleges.

Over 30% of graduates continue on to further study.

Not everyone wants to continue their academic interests into the workplace. You may feel you need help in deciding what to do next.

Increase your employability

Attend conferences and talks

Listening to world leaders, political experts and sharing ideas with peers and those with similar interests can be rewarding. These are also ideal opportunities to develop your network| and get information useful in job hunting. Many talks and conferences are free, or subsidised, for students. To get you started:

Cumberland Lodge (local - it's in Windsor Great Park)
Neil Stewart Associates - Public Policy conferences (very expensive but worth approaching for free / reduced entry)
Hansard Society
All-party Parliamentary Groups
Chatham House
LSE - Public Events
The House magazine
DODS - political events (similar to Neil Stewart above)
Other University events pages

Get experience

Political interests

Working for a politically aligned organisation or politician can be great experience. However once you have worked for one political party, it can be difficult working for a different one in the future.

Get reading!

Reading blogs and periodicals can give you a useful insight into the hidden politics that may not be covered elsewhere. The political blogosphere is vast - with thousands of blogs in the UK related to politics. The following should be a useful starting point.