Politics
Research your future career - how do I do this?
Once you’ve done some general research into your career of interest, you may want to investigate your sector in a bit more detail. We’ve compiled some resources for you including useful websites, recruitment specialists and professional organisations.
It’s important to remember that these are more than just potential sources for vacancies; keeping informed about industry news will really help you when it comes to answering interview questions and preparing applications that stand out from the crowd.
Placement and Careers Centre (PCC)
Whether you are at the beginning of exploring your career options, or have a good idea about what you want to do, the PCC are here to help. For initial discussions you can come to Quick Query or if you need more time you can book an appointment direct with your Careers Consultant.
Our LibraryThing online resource enables you to browse the reference books available to use in the PCC. Just drop-in Monday-Friday 9.30am-4.45pm and browse the books available.
Research your sector
- BBC Democracy Live BBC Parliament information, political debate and analysis
- BBC News
- Conservative Party
- Direct Gov The official UK government website for public service information
- European Parliament Find out how the European parliament organises its work, plus information on recruitment and traineeships
- Hansard Society Independent, non-partisan, political research and education charity whose aim is to strengthen parliamentary democracy and encourage greater public involvement in politics
- Human Rights Watch Reports on human rights issues worldwide
- Intute - Virtual Training Suite Free online tutorials to help develop internet research skills - search on politics at www.vtstutorials.co.uk/
- Labour Party
- Liberal Democrat Party
- New Internationalist Magazine
- Number 10 Official site for the British Prime Minister's office
- Parliament UK Information website for UK Parliament
- Political Science Resources Gateway to most significant resources relevant to the study of politics and government
- Politicos Source for political books and pamphlets
- Press Association National news agency
- Public Affairs Networking Public affairs, government relations, policy and communications network. Members are from all the sectors concerned with government affairs, policy, stakeholder relations, corporate communications and lobbying. Has a section of information for graduates
- Tagish Information on UK public sector organisations in central and local government
- UN Global Issues Overview of global issues concerning the UN
- UN Human Rights UN human rights webpage
- UK Parliament How Parliament works, committees, bills and legislation, parliamentary publications, news and records
- Working for an MP (w4mp) Resource for anyone working for a British Member of Parliament or with an interest in how Parliament works
- Worldwide Governments on the WWW Information resource - worldwide governments
Sources for vacancies
- Electus Specialist recruitment for public affairs, policy, public relations and corporate communications professionals. Clients include blue chip companies, leading trade bodies, charities, NGO's and political and communications agencies
- Public AffairsLinks Website for lobbying careers and job opportunities in the public and government affairs industry in UK/Europe/US
- UNjobs United Nations (UN) current vacancies listings
Professional organisations
You may find vacancies here, but you can also use these links to increase your knowledge of your chosen job type.
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Association of Professional Political Consultants (appc) Self-regulatory body for UK public affairs professionals in the consultancy sector
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Demos Independent think tank. Focuses on six areas: public services; science and technology; cities and public space; arts and culture; identity and global security. Works with: policy-makers, companies, public service providers and social entrepreneurs. Demos is not linked to any party but works with politicians across political divides. Their international network provides a global perspective and enables Demos to work across borders
- Directgov Site providing access to all UK government departments and public services
- Have Your Say Round-up of the week's key Parliamentary Papers, describing the background, context and likely impact. User-friendly site, with explanations of political terminology and an extensive useful links section
- Trades Union Congress (TUC) UK national trade union centre representing the vast majority of organised workers
- UN Information on all aspects of the workings of the United Nations
- UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation
- World Health Organisation (WHO) The WHO website has this link to NGOs working in WHO related areas
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