Category Archives: Politics and Government

Robert, Politics and Government

Politics and Government, Politics and International Relations

Robert, Politics and International Relations student, applied to the Career Mentor Scheme to develop general employability skills after attending a variety of career zone talks which introduced him to areas such as constructing cover letters and impressing at interview. Through the scheme, Robert was matched with a Social Studies graduate from the University of Exeter, who is an elected Leader at Hampshire County Council.

Robert tells us more about his experience below:

What were your highlights of the scheme?

I am eternally grateful for the work experience opportunity that I was afforded during my scheme. Having the chance to experience life in local government was a truly enriching experience and I was given a varied experience by those who were supervising me; they allowed me to attend meetings and training shops in addition to gaining experience in doing some of the work that typically goes on.

The people were central to my enjoyment, with the whole department making me feel welcome in what was a new working environment for me. I would like to thank my mentor for not only offering this interning place, but for also meeting with me privately on many occasions to talk personal development and to chat about developments in Hampshire.

What did you find most useful from the mentoring experience?

  • Work experience
  • Networking opportunities
  • Greater insight into the sector
  • Greater awareness of future pathways into the field of work
  • Assimilation of new knowledge

What message would you give to a student thinking of applying for the Career Mentor Scheme?

Know what you want from the experience before you apply, if its work experience, look for mentors who offer that. The scheme is tailored to what you need and should be a unique experience based on what you want. Don’t panic if other mentees are doing it differently – they will have different goals.

Koren, Politics and Government

Geography, Politics and Government

Koren, Geography student, was interested in a career in politics and government and so applied to the Career Mentor Scheme to gain confidence in graduate applications and gain an understanding of what a government career entails. Through the scheme, Koren was matched with the Bill and Policy Lead for Scotland Office, UK Government. This mentor’s main responsibilities is managing the Scotland Bill which involves regularly briefing Ministers, engaging with stakeholders and the media.

“I have learnt how to effectively demonstrate the key skills”

Koren has achieved all of her objectives including improved personal development skills, knowledge of effective interview techniques in sector and received help with her CV.

What were your highlights of the scheme?

I now feel a lot more confident when I apply for graduate jobs, and I have learnt how to effectively demonstrate the key skills and attributes that are required in my chosen sector. I was also very impressed with the commitment that my mentor demonstrated to answering any questions that I had and proofreading job and internship applications. My mentor has also continued to help me even though the scheme has now finished, so I believe that this scheme has given me a really valuable contact that I would not have had otherwise.

What did you find most useful from the mentoring experience?

The opportunity to speak to someone with experience in my chosen sector, learning about Civil Service interview techniques and how to answer interview questions effectively.

Kirby, Politics and Government

History, Politics and Government, Politics and International Relations, , ,

Kirby, a History student, applied for the Career Mentor Scheme after considering a few different career paths such as law, politics and working in the Foreign Office. Through the scheme, Kirby was matched with a Member of Parliament for West Bromwich West in the House of Commons. This mentor wanted to share his experience of the profession and provide some advice and guidance through the scheme.

“It helped me to narrow down my areas of interest, as well as providing great networking opportunities and contacts in the industry”

Kirby met all of her objectives, including being able to narrow down areas she was considering for graduate employment, increased knowledge of effective application forms in this sector and improved personal development skills.

Kirby shared her experience:

What were the highlights of the scheme?

  • Gaining a full tour of the Houses of Parliament
  • Understanding better the relationship between the government and NGOs/the media
  • Forming professional relationships with people at different levels of government

What did you find most useful from the mentoring experience?

  • Networking
  • Confirming for me that I would like to work in a political organisation rather than political party

What message would you give to a student thinking of applying for the Career Mentor Scheme?

The scheme is as useful as you want it to be – if you are dedicated to regularly contacting your mentor and have a clear idea of what you wish to gain from the scheme it can be incredibly rewarding. As someone who was unsure of what they wanted to do after University, this scheme was useful to me as it helped me to narrow down my areas of interest, as well as providing great networking opportunities and contacts in the industry.

Gabrielle, Politics and Government

Politics and Government, Psychology, , , ,

Gabrielle participated in the Career Mentor Scheme during her first year. Interested in politics and government she was matched with the Head of Corporate Services at Dorset, Devon and Cornwall Community Rehabilitation Company. This mentor’s main responsibilities included corporate services and business development for the CRC, acting as an Executive Board Member and was Secretary to the Board. He was a member of the Parole Board in England and Wales at the time and had previous experience as a probation officer.

PP Gabrielle

Having met in person multiple times, Gabrielle felt her objectives for the scheme had been met. She was able to improve her personal skills, gain professional experience and an insight into both the good and bad aspects of the profession. She shared some of the ways the scheme was beneficial to her:

What were the highlights of the scheme for you?

Being able to get an insight into the different range of professions I can do with my degree and having the opportunity to network with professionals and gain an understanding of how they chose their own career pathways.

What did you find most useful from the mentoring experience?

Insight into my chosen profession.

What message would you give to a student thinking of applying for the Career Mentor Scheme?

The Career Mentor Scheme allows students to gain insight and practical understanding of what they can do after their degree. It can either reinforce your notion of a particular job or completely change your views. It is definitely a worthwhile programme, and I would strongly recommend it.

Isobel, Politics and Government

Politics and Government, Politics and International Relations,

History and International Relations student Isobel was matched with an Administrator of Région Haute-normandie, France.

This mentor is an Exeter alumnus, who has worked at various organisations and positions in his career. Between 1997 and 1999 he was an Administrator at the European Parliament. He then moved on to be an Economist at the Office for National Statistics before starting at his position as an Administrator of  Région Haute-normandie.

Isobel achieved all objectives she had set at the beginning of the scheme. She received help with cover letters and application forms, improved her confidence to seek graduate jobs and developed her professional contacts.

Izzy Uni card photo_compressed

Were there any other objectives you achieved?

To gain work experience and a greater insight into this field of work.

What were the highlights of the scheme for you?

Having a professional opinion for some of the choices I am having to make- Masters Programmes etc.

What did you find most useful from the mentoring experience?

Having a contact with professional and well regarded CVs to reference and get to know.

What message would you give to a student thinking of applying for the Career Mentor Scheme?

It is a great opportunity to have an in-depth insight into the professional line of work.

Nick, Politics and Government

law, Politics and Government,

Law student Nick participated in the Career Mentor Scheme, and his mentor was Head of International and EU Law at the Attorney General’s Office.

downing-street-1210614

Nick shared more details about the success of his mentoring partnership with us.

What was the highlight of the scheme for you?

Visiting my mentor at Downing Street.

What did you find most useful from the mentoring experience?

My mentor was exceptionally helpful in assisting me with guidance for a future legal career. He has given me the opportunity to meet a number of his colleagues, both in and out of Government. Without his help, I doubt I would have been able to decide on a particular career path.

What message would you give to a student thinking of applying for the Career Mentor Scheme?

The Career Mentor Scheme has given me such a unique opportunity and opened many more options that I never knew were possible. As a result of the CMS, I was able to visit my Mentor at No. 10 and also meet a number of his colleagues who have offered me work experience and further connections. I would urge every student to apply for the CMS as you never know where it may lead you!