Peter R.

Policy Adviser
Happy to mentor
Happy to be contacted

About me

Peter R.
English and Related Literature
English and Politics
Undergraduate
James
2007
United Kingdom

My employment

Policy Adviser
Audit Commission
2009
£32500~7500
£32500~7500

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A day in the life of a Policy Adviser in

How I found out about the job

Guardian Jobs website

Where I hope to be in 5 years

Become savvy with the current policy landscape. Then move into a more senior policy advisory role. Possibly move back into local government role at director level.

My advice to students considering work

Don't get too stressed about trying to find a top paying job straight after leaving university. It isn't all about the money. Look at what you eventually want to do and assess what options are out there that enable you to get good experience - I would recommend local government / third sector as a good place to cut one's teeth as there is plenty of opportunity to 'act up'.

What I do

Write speeches for Chief Exec and Chairman as well as policy briefings to be used by senior staff. Policy horizon scanning. Contribute to the strategic direction of the Commission.

Skills I use and how I developed them

Politics / English Literature Degree

Degree skills:
I write speeches and briefings so the English degree (high written standards required) helped.

What I like most

I have always been interested in policy / politics...this job basically pays me to keep abreast of developments. I like the fact I am constantly being challenged to improve myself intellectually. The Commission has no qualms about spending money on training and personal development. I like the quick turnaround of the work, and working to deadlines. I like the intellectual level of my colleagues.

What I like least

The pressure and the fact that London is so expensive!

What would I change? Not to have spent so long in local government (18 months). Not to have chosen to initially do a law degree at Machester. But these are small regrets, and without them I might not be where I am today.

Next steps...

If you like the look of Peter’s profile, the next steps are down to you! You can send Peter a message to find out more about their career journey.

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