Lee I.

APS to the Minister of State for Policing, Fire, Criminal Justice and Victims
Happy to mentor
Happy to be contacted

About me

Lee I.
Sociology
Sociology
Undergraduate
Vanbrugh
2011
United Kingdom

My employment

APS to the Minister of State for Policing, Fire, Criminal Justice and Victims
Home Office
United Kingdom
Government and civil service
Large business (250+ employees)
2011

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A day in the life of a APS to the Minister of State for Policing, Fire, Criminal Justice and Victims in the United Kingdom

Concentrate on yourself and you can make your own opportunities

How I looked for work

Whilst on an ESRC recognised Masters Degree at Newcastle University I was working part-time at HMRC. As a result I was able to apply for internal vacancies across the Civil Service. After graduating I wasn't sure exactly what I wanted to do, either further postgraduate study or a career in the public sector. I saw a generic vacancy for a Private Office role and was fortunately successful throughout the recruitment process.

How I found out about the job

Employer's website

The recruitment process

Recruitment was based on an initial application, which was largely competence based. Followed by an interview panel. Finally I was shortlisted and put before the Minister, which is the final interview stage.

My career goals when I graduated

When I graduated from York my career goals were very different from my current goals. I don't think you necessarily need to set goals too early, as progress isn't always linear.

What has helped my career to progress

Networking and seeking out others to mentor me. I've also placed a strong emphasis on development: if you're weak in a particular area then there's nothing to stop you up-skilling yourself in that area.

Courses taken since graduation

After York I did a Masters in Social Research Methods at Newcastle University.

How my studies have helped my career

My studies have been invaluable in helping me as a Civil Servant. For example, a lecture on social interaction and tacit knowledge as a fresher gave me the basis for handling strategies to deal with Parliamentarians better than any training course could. My postgraduate thesis looked at policy interventions across the night-time economy, which allowed me to hit the ground running when it came to briefing senior colleagues and understanding the issues more deeply.

My advice to students considering work

Most things happen by accident in your career. As long as you focus on your own development you can make your own opportunities.

My advice about working in my industry

It's not always as attractive financially as the private sector, but it's so much more rewarding.

Contacting me

Happy to be contacted about the Civil Service and working in Government.

What I do

I am currently APS to the Minister of State for Policing, Fire, Criminal Justice and Victims. In this role I lead on all Home Office policy areas relating to National Resilience and Fire and Rescue Services. Before this I led on the Crime and Drugs and Alcohol portfolio for the Minister. Working in Private Office gives a unique insight into how Whitehall as a whole operates, as well as allowing a deeper understanding of specific policy areas.

Next steps...

If you like the look of Lee’s profile, the next steps are down to you! You can send Lee a message to find out more about their career journey. If you feel you would benefit from more in-depth conversations, ask Lee to be your mentor.

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