The Aspire Guide - Flipbook - Page 41
Government and Public Sector
16.5% of the UK’s working population are employed in the public sector.11 As you may know,
this includes teachers, doctors and the emergency services. But did you know that civil
servants also work in a huge range of local, national and international bodies, working on
exciting projects such as creating policy for UK space programmes, delivering humanitarian
relief and improving public services across the country?
Civil servants are politically neutral and responsible for delivering public services and supporting the
government to develop and implement its policies. Many people become civil servants because they are
passionate about making a difference, and want to help create innovative solutions to complex, reallife problems.
One way to access careers in the Civil Service is the Fast Stream - a two to four-year graduate programme,
offering an accelerated career path into leadership positions across government. Most schemes accept
degrees from any discipline, while some require more technical knowledge. Fast Streamers can join
through one of 15 different streams:
Commercial
Digital, Data & Technology
Diplomatic Service
Diplomatic Economics
Finance
Generalist
Economics Service
Operational Research
Social Research
Statistical Service
Houses of Parliament
Human Resources
Property
Project Delivery
Science & Engineering
The Civil Service also offers a range of direct entry roles, apprenticeships, and internships. Beyond
the Civil Service, there are hundreds of internship and graduate opportunities at various public sector
organisations, ranging from policy making to direct public service delivery across the sector.
Key facts
Typical graduate salary: £23,000-£35,000
Potential salary (after five years experience): £35,000 - £66,000
Top earners (10-15 years experience): £80,000 - £100,000+
What they’re looking for:
You don’t need to study politics or a related subject at university to work in the public sector; students
from all degree subjects are generally welcomed.
The Civil Service Fast Stream accepts graduates with at least 2:2 from any degree subject for most of
their streams but some are restricted to certain degree subjects and/or at least 2:1.
Want to Get Experience?
There are a number of pathways to success for students looking to get into the public sector, but a typical
timeline may look as follows:
1ST YEAR
2ND YEAR
3RD YEAR
EXPLORATION
GET EXPERIENCE
APPLICATIONS
Apply for any insight days or
internships you’re interested in
Apply for public sector
internships or part-time roles
Start applying for public sector
graduate schemes
Get involved with relevant
societies and volunteering
opportunities
Look for leadership positions in
relevant societies
Keep up to date with key issues
in the sector
41
