Scarlett
Ryan

Why NTU…

What inspired you to study your subject and what was your experience of studying your course at NTU?

I was really interested in Politics throughout school and wanted to pursue a career in either Central or Local Government, hence I chose to study Politics at university following on from studying it at A-level, both complimented each other well.

My experience of studying at NTU was amazing, I really enjoyed my course, the assessment methods and teaching and the options to choose different modules, particularly in the field of IR as my course was only politics. Course materials and slides etc where easy to follow, learn from and guided me enormously when completing coursework. My lecturers also made me feel really supported throughout my time at NTU.

Placement…

Did you complete any work placements or other work-like experience on your course? If so, tell us about your experience – where did you go, what did you do, did the skills you gained support your current role?

Whilst at university, I had undertaken many volunteering opportunities as it was essential then for one of my modules. The volunteering and placement activities provided me with a range of skills and experience that were vital in preparing me for the workplace and political environments.

I completed a placement with the Women’s Equality Party, this involved contacting party campaigners and working on Political campaigns.

I had joined the political societies at university and projects they were involved in within the local area. This led me to find other opportunities and organisations such as Broxtowe Community Projects which included volunteering at local foodbanks and helping in the community during pandemic with Community Action Nottingham.

Most importantly and relevantly to my job role now, I completed a placement at my Local Authority in the Governance Department. This involved learning about the Councils Governance and Assurance arrangements and the decision-making process which involves the Mayor and Councillors. Post-graduation, I reached out again and was lucky enough to find a job opportunity which led me onto my current role now.

Throughout my volunteering and placement experience and opportunities, I had gained and developed a range of skills which support my current role such as confidence and professionalism and adapting to changing environments, networking, speaking to strangers confidently in a professional setting as well as knowing basic political knowledge and knowing how to remain political neutral within certain settings.

Your graduate journey

What is your current job role? What does it involve? What was your journey post-graduation to where you are now?

In university I had applied for the Local Government Gradate Programme and was successful, however I chose to take an opportunity which had arisen at the time post-graduation, which I had gained through volunteering experiences. Since starting my job post-graduation, I have remained in the same job type, but my role has progressed since starting out as a graduate to now being ana officer and having particular responsibilities.

I currently work in a Local Authority as a Governance Officer in Democratic Services. My role includes various aspects such as working with and supporting directly elected members (Councillors), The Cabinet and Leader, The Mayor and senior officers.

One of the main aspects of my role is to administer the Councils Governance arrangements and assist Members and Officers in respect to the Councils Constitution. Committee works includes organising, overseeing and clerking public meetings, clearing reports, publishing agendas and decision and minute taking.

My role also includes project work which arise as and when such as working on the General Election.

Skills

How does the knowledge and skills you developed at NTU support you in your current role?

The skills and knowledge I had learned throughout my time at NTU have been essential in preparing me for a progressional career within politics. From practical skills to even learning online throughout the pandemic. Learning and working virtually was completely unfamiliar to me until university and since then I continue to work in a hybrid workspace using platforms such as Microsoft Teams. The political knowledge I had learned throughout my modules has provided me with a foundation which I use daily and have expanded upon.