The career landscape for politics graduates is vast, and here at Edge Hill, we are committed to preparing our students for their career from their first year of study. Throughout your degree, you’ll have the opportunity to engage with work-related learning modules that will enhance your employability and teach you about the range of roles available.
Our Politics graduates go on to achieve success in a variety of roles, with recent alumni securing jobs like Policy Caseworker at the Houses of Parliament and Campaigns & Communications Intern with the Liberal Democrats. Many have gone on to pursue further study, such as a Masters degree or PGCE.
We caught up with recent graduates Owen and Brad, and current student Matthew, who have all made important first steps in their career journey since joining Edge Hill.
Matthew Trafford BA (Hons) History & Politics
Throughout his degree, Matthew has embraced the opportunity to gain work experience alongside his studies. The skills and knowledge he developed within his first two years of study have supported his part-time work as Labour Party Councillor for South Ribble Borough Council. Matthew is excited about what the future holds and is looking forward to his final year of study.
How did your degree prepare you for your graduate career?
During my Politics degree, I’ve been introduced to the nature and culture that exists for those working in Politics. This was especially the case when I secured a work placement through University with a Member of Parliament in the House of Commons. Through this experience, I’ve learned how the world of national politics operates, and while the experience challenged me it also boosted my confidence and prepared me for my potential future career.
What are the top three skills you gained from your degree?
Giving presentations, researching effectively, and producing clear and evidence-based arguments.
All three of these skills have been instrumental to me in my role as Labour Party Councillor, allowing me to speak on behalf of those who elected me with much more confidence.
Studying politics has allowed me to shape my own convictions. I’ve scrutinised my values, and developed them further with my academic knowledge”
What was the most memorable moment of your degree?
It’s hard to choose one, but I’d say the guest speakers from national politics that have visited the University. To be given the opportunity to question and debate with Members of Parliament on equal terms in a comfortable setting was always an exciting experience, and a huge confidence booster.
What’s your favourite thing about Politics as a subject?
Studying politics has allowed me to shape my own convictions. Most of us enter politics with pre-existing beliefs, studying politics has enabled me to refine my own opinions, some have changed whereas others have been reinforced but it’s extremely comforting to know that my own values have been scrutinised by myself and developed with academic knowledge.
What are your plans for the future?
I’ve never wanted to be a ‘career Politician’ where I’d end up moving hundreds of miles away to try and represent an area that I have no connection to. Instead, I hope to complete a Masters degree whilst continuing to work hard in my local community as a Councillor. Politics, which is always shaped by elections and public opinion, always has some level of uncertainty – but that’s part of what makes it exciting.
Owen Lambert BA (Hons) History & Politics
Since graduating, Owen has found success in a graduate role with the NHS. Alongside this, he has continued to pursue roles in Politics, and is an active member of the Liberal Democrats. He’s been working with them on a freelance basis for a while now, supporting with communications and data.
How did your degree prepare you for your graduate career?
It was during my time studying at Edge Hill that I gained a sense of my politics and ultimately settled in with the Liberal Democrats. I was able to go to the Lib Dem Spring Conference in 2018 with the University, and it had such a profound effect on me that I got involved with the party seriously after that. When I first graduated, I worked for the Association for Liberal Democrat Councillors and Campaigners (ALDC) as a campaigns and communications intern. This was my first real work in Politics, and I used to commute everyday from Morecambe to Salford because I loved the job so much
What are the top three skills you gained from your degree?
- Thorough research and analysis
- Critical thinking
- Understanding and comparing arguments
For me, Politics is about learning how we can develop ideas that can make people’s lives better.”
What was the most memorable moment of your degree?
Our class trip to London in 2017. It was amazing to go around the House of Commons on a tour and have lunch with a Lord. I thought it was incredible to visit the capital city and see how the heart of our democracy functions in person.
What’s your favourite thing about Politics as a subject?
For me, Politics is about learning how we can develop ideas that can make people’s lives better. Studying at Edge Hill helped me refine the core beliefs that I still hold when representing my local community today.
What are your plans for the future?
I am standing for Lancashire County Council in 2021 and will continue to stand for Parliament, whenever the next General Election may be
Brad Grant BA (Hons) Public Relations with Politics*
*Please note that this particular degree programme is no longer available.
Bradley was the first Edge Hill student to ever be awarded the Student Opportunity Fund – and he used this funding to take up a work experience opportunity with Sky in London. From this opportunity, Bradley continued to build his contacts, his experience and his knowledge and went on to land a graduate traineeship with ITV Granada Reports.
How did your degree prepare you for your graduate career?
My degree provided me with a broad understanding of how governments and policies work, not just in the UK but around the world, looking at the history of political theories and how they are reflected in the modern day. The decisions of those elected by society, from both national and local levels, affect everyone – and as a journalist, I think it’s been really important for me to have a well-rounded understanding of this. It’s not just theory though, my degree had practical elements ranging from in-house debates to hearing from keynote speakers, as well as having the opportunity to visit the Houses of Parliament and the Welsh Senedd.
What are the top three skills you gained from your degree?
- Time management (this one was definitely helped by learning to balance a part-time job with my studies)
- Communication
- Teamwork
My plans for the future are to continue to make a change in the work that I do – wherever that may be.”
What was the most memorable moment of your degree?
In my second year, I was selected as the first student to be awarded the Student Opportunity Fund. The fund was set up to provide financial support for students who wish to take part in opportunities that will enhance their employability. I had applied for a week’s work experience with Sky’s Internal Communications Team down in London and was offered a place. The funding meant that the costs of transport and accommodation were not a barrier – and this opportunity then led to me securing further work within their broadcast news division
What’s your favourite thing about politics as a subject?
What I love about politics is that everyone can get involved, no matter your views or opinions. Whilst we can learn a great deal from textbooks, it’s just as important to listen to the views, opinions and shared experiences of those around us. Healthy debate with other students was enjoyable too – there’s always something new to learn.
What are your plans for the future?
To continue to make a change in the work that I do – wherever that may be.
May 17, 2022
