The following roles illustrate the career opportunities available to Politics and International Relations graduates, reflecting their critical thinking and analytical skills.
Civil Service Fast Streamer The Civil Service Fast Stream is an accelerated leadership development programme. With 17 specialist development schemes each scheme offers real responsibility across roles in government departments, providing structured learning, on-the-job coaching and mentoring, and a clear career path in a government profession.
Local Government Officer Local government careers involve working for city, county, or regional councils and authorities. These roles support the delivery of public services and the development of local communities.
Public Affairs Consultant Public affairs consultants may specialise in media relations, campaign management, local government or ‘Parliamentary Bills’, whilst others will work across the spectrum. They may work: 'in house' for a company, trade association or charity; as an advisor for a political consultancy working with a number of clients or as a freelancer.
Intelligence Analyst Intelligence Analysts work with a diverse range of sources to produce assessments that support decision makers and operations across HM Government.
International Aid / development worker Provide aid and assistance to people and communities in the developing world. Work may involve responding to emergency situations, helping those affected by natural and man-made disasters, such as earthquakes and war.
Communications Assistant Working in Communications The Government Communication Service (GCS) is the professional body for around 6,000 public service communicators working in government departments, agencies and arm’s length bodies.
Politician’s assistant Working as a politician's assistant, you'll provide administrative support to an elected politician. You'll help with secretarial tasks, research and publicity.
Policy Officer Political and parliamentary researchers provide policymakers with the information they need to form, defend or oppose policies.
Organisations that have employed University of Kent graduates in the past include:
UK Parliament: House of Lords, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Home Office, Department for Education, European Commission, United Nations, Young Professionals Programme, NATO,
Amnesty International, Oxfam, Médecins Sans Frontières, British Red Cross, British Council, World Health Organisation, World Food Programme, World Economic Forum, UNICEF, International Crisis Group, Conflict Research Society Directory of International Organisations
Institute for Government, Centre for European Reform, House of Commons Research Services
There are many more possible employers in these and other industries.
The Careers and Employability Service provides information and advice on job searching to University of Kent students and recent graduates. This includes a vacancy database advertising a range of graduate jobs, placement year and vacation work/internships.
w4mp Political, research and communications job opportunities
Graduate Forward Public affairs and communications
HM Treasury Graduate programme, policy adviser developing policies that impact all areas of government
NHS graduate scheme Schemes in various roles including general management and policy and strategy
Jobs Go Public Local government jobs
Smart Thinking Policy and Think Tank jobs
Charity job, Charity People & Third Sector jobs Search for research and policy jobs in the Charity Sector
Idealist & Relief web International internship, volunteering and job opportunities
University of Kent Careers Service: Workshops, employer events, 1-to-1 career guidance
Kent School of Politics and IR “aSPIRations” programme: Alumni events and mentoring
Model United Nations (KentMUN) and Kent PolIR Society: Gain public speaking and diplomacy experience
Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House)
Build a strong CV: Include essay-based research, group projects, volunteering, or Model UN.
Gain practical experience: Seek internships via or summer roles with MPs or NGOs.
Join Kent PolIR Society or Model UN: Gain leadership, communication, and policy-making experience.
Stay informed: Follow outlets like Chatham House, The Economist, Foreign Affairs, and other political blogs.
Develop digital & analytical skills: Tools like SPSS, R, or data visualisation platforms are increasingly relevant.
Leverage your network: Use LinkedIn and Kent’s Career Mentoring scheme to build connections with alumni and professionals to gain insights into your target roles and industries. Join relevant LinkedIn network groups in areas of interest.
A year in industry can have a big impact on your employability. By gaining real-world experience and learning key skills in the workplace, and pairing these with the knowledge you gain on your degree, you can become a highly employable candidate in the labour market. The year can be based in the UK or abroad, including your home country if you're an international student, and contribute to your final degree. At The University of Kent, many courses include an optional year in industry between your second and final year, where you undertake graduate-level work related to your studies.
Some Politics & IR graduates pursue postgraduate qualifications to specialise or prepare for professional roles: