Politics & International Relations

Useful Careers Resources

Careers Information

Politics and International Relations graduates work in sectors including local and central government, social and political research, journalism, business, PR and marketing, international development charity. Social science graduates are sought after by a wide variety of graduate employers and so explore jobs and careers that are a good fit for your key skills, strengths and interests.

Prospects – What can I do with my Politics degree? – Roles directly or indirectly related to a Politics degree

Prospects - What can I do with my International Relations degree? Roles directly or indirectly related to an International Relations degree

Explore all Job Profiles: Prospect Job Profiles A-Z and Prospects Job Profiles by Sector

Explore all Job Sectors: Prospects Job Sectors

BrightNetwork - Career Path Guides

National Careers Service also includes job profiles such as MP

Targetjobs - includes job descriptions for careers including Political Party Agent and Political Party Research Officer

Careers in Corporate Governance – Explore the role of Chartered Company Secretary

Government & International Politics

Houses of Parliament careers

Civil Service Careers

Information on Fast Stream entry to the Civil Service

Prospects - Government Social Research Profession and the role of Government social research officer

Working for an MP

UN Careers Portal - United Nations’ website has career profiles and career paths of UN staff

Government & International Politics continued

International Organisations - Oxford University’s website lists Intergovernmental organisations (IOs) and International NGOs (INGOs).

Roles in Policy and Think tanks

Think tanks - University of Oxford Careers Service information on working for Think Tanks

Careers in Social Research Social Research Association resource

MRS Research careers – Careers in the UK research, insight and analytics sector

Market Research - Routes into the profession– Useful resource from the Market Research Society including graduate employers.

Careers in Political Risk Analysis and Consultancy – Useful resource from the University of Manchester

Professional Bodies & Societies

These are organisations which represent the individual/organisation members of particular professions. Their websites include member directories, events and job boards. Many offer student membership.

Public Relations and Communications Association

Public Affairs Network

Chartered Institute of Public Relations

Market Research Society (MRS)

Social Research Association (SRA)

Association for Qualitative Research - includes directory

Chartered Governance Institute UK and Ireland

Job Listings - general

Surrey Pathfinder

Prospects - Graduate Jobs

Prospects – Work Experience and Internships

Targetjobs - Graduate and Internship opportunities

Brightnetwork - Internships, Placements and Graduate jobs

HigherIn – Formerly ‘Ratemyplacement’

The Guardian Online Jobs Board – Graduate opportunities

Government, Public Sector & Research

Civil Service Fast Stream – 17 different schemes for finalists and graduates

6-8 weeks Summer Internship Programme – for students in their final 2 years at university

Houses of Parliament Graduate Programme

Houses of Parliament vacancies

Government Social Research (GSR) Opportunities

GSR Sandwich Student Placement - for undergraduates in penultimate year

Local Government National Graduate Management Programme – 2 year fast track graduate programme

Jobs Go Public – Public sector jobs in local government, charity, education, housing & more

Local Government Jobs – Local government opportunities in councils

I have a voice – Work experience and internships and a student mentoring programme for public affairs and government

Smart thinking - Jobs in Policy and Think tanks – Opportunities in research, policy communications, fundraising and events

Jobs in Universities – Opportunities in universities and public sector research institutes

TeachFirst – 2-year graduate fast track teacher training (optional 3rd year Masters)

Teachfirst taster programmes– 2-day taster for undergraduates

Social Research Jobs Board

AQR - Qualitative Research agencies that offer graduate opportunities

MRS Research Buyer’s Guide Accredited market and social research organisations in the UK and Ireland

Government, Public Sector & Research cont.

Jobs in Public Affairs

Taylor Bennett Foundation – Opportunities for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic graduates in Communication and PR

European Union job vacancies

European Commission Traineeships - (Stages)

European Affairs vacancies in European institutions

Volunteering

University of Surrey Students’ Union, volunteering pages

Do-it.org.uk - Advance search option by interest, skills and location

Citizens Advice – Volunteering and training opportunities

International Development, Charity & Not-for-profit

Bond and Development aid - Jobs in International Development

Targetjobs - Graduate schemes and internships in the Charity and Not-for-profit Sector

CharityWorks - 12 month paid Non-profit sector graduate scheme and includes a fast-track scheme for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic finalists and graduates.

IntoUniversity – Graduate scheme helping disadvantaged young people gain a place at University

Unltd.org.uk – Social entrepreneurs support and advice

Charity Job sites Third Sector and Charity Job

Also refer to: Public Sector and Not-for-profit: Useful Careers Resources.

Postgraduate Study

Prospects - Postgraduate courses and funding information

Find a Masters

Find a PhD

Studentships

Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) – ESRC studentships

Fulbright Commission - Advice for postgraduate study in the USA

British Council – Opportunities to study and work abroad

UCAS Teacher Training

Finally

Don’t forget we are always happy to help you with every aspect of your career planning and development, wherever you are in your journey. If you are unclear about where to start or what to focus on first, just make an appointment with a Careers Consultant via Surrey Pathfinder and we can help you develop a plan for moving forward.

Visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion careers resources to find out more about diversity initiatives, employer perspectives and support at Surrey.

If you would like more information, visit MySurrey Help to find answers to the most common questions and details on how to ask us a question if you require more support.