Last month, I had the opportunity to share my journey as a civil servant with prospective and current public sector professionals. Reflecting on my decade of experience in the UK Government, I realised that my lessons are just as relevant today as they were when I started. The Civil Service is a place where impact is possible but requires resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone.

Here are three key lessons I’ve learned and insights that can help you navigate your civil service career.

1. Your Strengths Will Set You Apart—Even If You Lack Experience

Like many others, I didn’t join the Civil Service with years of policy experience. But I knew I had strong written and verbal communication skills stemming from my English Literature degree and charity sector work experience, and I leveraged them to stand out.

Government work often involves distilling complex issues into clear, concise messages. Ministers need to understand the problem, the recommended course of action, and the justification for it—fast. My ability to articulate a compelling argument and hold my ground in discussions gave me an edge, even when more experienced colleagues surrounded me.

If you’re early in your career, don’t let a lack of technical knowledge hold you back. Instead, focus on honing skills like:

• Written and verbal communication
• Problem-solving under pressure
• Relationship-building with stakeholders
• The ability to challenge assumptions and ask the right questions

Being proactive, seeking guidance when needed, and having the courage to put yourself forward for new challenges can make all the difference. You don’t need to know everything—you just need to be willing to learn and adapt.

2. Personality and Passion Matter More Than You Think

Many people assume that success in the Civil Service is all about technical skill. In reality, what often makes the difference is one’s mindset and how one presents oneself.

One of the most valuable feedback I ever received from an interview was that my personality set me apart. The hiring manager described me as “zingy”—someone who brought energy, enthusiasm, and a sense of purpose to the conversation.

Civil servants are deeply invested in the issues they work on. You’ll stand out if you can connect your personal experiences, motivations, and passions to the role you’re applying for. Ask yourself:

• Why do I care about public service?
• What personal experiences have shaped my interest in this work?
• How can I show my commitment beyond just a standard CV?

For example, if you’ve cared for a relative in hospital, that could fuel your motivation to work in the Department of Health and Social Care. If you’ve been involved in community activism, that could make you a great fit for local government roles. Find ways to make your application and interviews personal, compelling, and unique to you.

3. The Power of Initiative: Creating Opportunities Where None Exist

If you are already in Civil service, this one is for you.

When I started in the Civil Service, I was given responsibility far beyond what I expected. In one particular role, I was asked to handle a policy area that the government had never explored. Instead of waiting for direction, I took the initiative to research, build relationships with stakeholders, and shape a national conversation.

I convinced my senior leaders and ministers to issue a call for evidence on what was a complex and divisive public issue. Over a year, I worked with experts, clinicians, parent groups, and activists, building relationships that had never existed. I travelled across the UK, engaged in discussions, and even took my research internationally to Malta and Italy.

The lesson? Take the time to understand an issue deeply, advocate for it effectively, and take ownership of your work. You can drive meaningful change—even as a junior civil servant.

Final Thoughts: The Civil Service is Tough, But It’s Worth It

Working in the Civil Service can be intense. Some roles are fast-paced and high-profile and come with significant pressure. I’ve worked on policies that made national headlines and experienced the challenges of navigating bureaucracy. But despite the difficulties, the rewards are immense.

If you’re thinking about joining the Civil Service or advancing your career within it, remember these three lessons:

• Take initiative—don’t wait for opportunities, create them.
• Leverage your strengths—your skills matter as much as your experience.
• Let your passion shine—your personality and story make you stand out.

No matter where you are in your journey, persistence, adaptability, and a willingness to learn will take you far. If you found these insights helpful, stay connected for future career conversations.

Let’s continue building a Civil Service where everyone has the chance to make a difference.

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