Graduate Stories
Graduates from the School of Politics and International Relations have successful careers in a variety of fields. We have graduates working in government, the civil service, for consultancy companies, and in public relations.
Based on the graduate outcomes survey results (2017-2021), our top graduate employers are:
- Civil service
- Deloitte
- Home Office
- Cabinet Office
Princess Greenland, BA Politics and International Relations (2023)
Princess is a policy advisor for the UK Civil Service.
What made my time at Nottingham special was the people. I made some of my closest friends there, joined societies, and got involved in committees – it was that sense of community that made it so memorable.
One of the highlights of my degree was the summer school I did at the National University of Singapore (NUS), focused on global sustainability. It was a step outside my usual politics content – more about energy futures and environmental policy – but still closely tied to the bigger international picture. It gave me a new perspective and added depth to what I was studying.
In the end, I was successful in joining the Civil Service Fast Stream, on the Government Policy scheme. Most of my work has focused on post-Brexit regulation, updating assimilated EU laws that no longer reflect the UK’s priorities and mission. A big part of the role involves working across government, including with the devolved administrations like Scotland, and coordinating between different departments to make sure policies are aligned.
I’ve also worked in private office, including for the Permanent Secretary, which gave me the chance to engage with senior leaders from No.10 and even the Royal Household. I’ve taken part in international negotiations too, with the EU and countries like Iceland, Norway, and Greenland. It’s been challenging, fast-paced, and genuinely rewarding.
Albert Salimov, BA Politics and International Relations (2024)
Albert is a caseworker to Michael Payne MP, based in the UK.
Nottingham was a great fit for me, as the range of courses they offer meant I was able to pursue my deep interest in geopolitics, and how governments and their relationships with other states affect the lives of us all.
Nottingham offers a huge variety of extracurricular activities. I was part of the Badminton team, the United Nations Society, the ParliaMentors Programme, and I was part of their Masterclass Programme at the Patchwork Foundation. I also did the Travelteer's Human Development Programme in Pokhara, Nepal.
My current job involves representing a Member of Parliament in correspondence, assisting them with meeting the constituency, liaising with government departments, and helping the MP to be as actively involved locally as possible, helping people in need.
My degree helped me understand the history of politics, and the achievements and mistakes that previous British administrations had made, along with the importance of ideology and philosophy within this.
Josephine Ruffles, BA Politics and American Studies (2024)
Josephine is a caseworker to James Cartlidge MP for the House of Commons, based in the UK.
I chose the University of Nottingham due to the opportunities the university had to offer outside of my degree. I also noted that Nottingham offered the opportunity to study abroad in America with my course, which was very enticing. I thoroughly enjoyed the security studies modules, and being able to attend guest lectures from notable speakers such as Sir John Sawers.
I was able to complete a Ditchley Internship and a LeftLion Internship, both of which lasted ten weeks. These opportunities were truly valuable for building vital experience and getting to apply my skills and knowledge in the real world. Nottingham provided me with the foundations in which to network and carry out internships alongside my degree.
My degree taught me to be incredibly organised with my deadlines and juggling internships, which is a skill I require every day in my job. It also taught me to be much more independent in my problem solving.
Izzy Hummerstone, BA Politics and International Relations (2020)
Izzy is a parliamentary assistant for Liberal Democrat MP Sarah Green.
I really enjoyed the modules that were available on my course, particularly those relating to international security and development. I found the seminars interesting as they allowed for debate on a wide range of topics, with people sharing a variety of views.
I also completed a social media and digital marketing placement with The Mojatu Foundation, which is a Nottingham-based organisation working with the local BAME community. I helped create social media posts as well as contributed to the planning of a fundraising event. I now use the social media skills gained in my current role.
My advice to new students is to make the most of all opportunities. Looking back on my time at Nottingham, I wish I had taken part in more societies and events. And don't be afraid to ask questions! I wish I had spoken up more, particularly on subjects I was passionate about.
Mark Buckle, BA Politics (1981)
Mark worked in advertising before founding a technology company, Amondo, based in the UK.
I chose to study BA Politics at the University of Nottingham as I liked the balance of the course. Nottingham has a strong reputation as one of the Russell Group of universities. Nottingham is also a great city to live in as a student, and that combination of factors strongly influenced my decision.
I was the first person in my extended family to ever get into further education, let alone university, so if nothing else it provided the foundation for me to get into a top five advertising agency post-graduation, where I beat eleven other candidates on a final interview day, all from Oxbridge.
I now run a technology company, Amondo, and I’m proud of the fact that I literally transformed an idea in the pub into a global enterprise, operating in the digital content space and working across live sports, music, fashion and media.
My advice to new students would be to take it all in. It's the best blank canvas you'll get to enjoy whilst moving ahead with your personal goals.