Meet Elijah

Hey! I’m Elijah, and I’m on a mission to break into the world of international security. My background is in economics, and I’m currently doing a master’s in Global Security and Strategy. I love all things public affairs, government relations, and media, and I’m all about making great industry connections! I have been in HMT for almost 2 years.

Before the Civil Service

Before Civil Service, I worked in the entertainment industry across multiple disciplines (PR, event management and influencer marketing). In these roles, I have been fortunate to work on fun projects such as Wireless Festival, Lovebox, Davido & Burna Boy Concerts and many more. As fun as this time was for me as a young student, I always felt a passion for social mobility. I used my industry connections and interests to launch a non-profit organisation to address youth unemployment. When asked what my brand is, this is what I say …. “I would say my brand is making the most of situations, taking time to truly dedicate effort to understanding our world and each other better through interactions, experiences, and professions. We listen to stories and share our own, with the ability to learn from each other. Enabling us all to grow, fly, and soar.”

Breaking Into the Civil Service

I didn’t take the “traditional” route into the Civil Service (CS), after finishing my economics degree, I applied for various roles across departments in the hopes of “getting in”. Although policy was always the long-term goal, I found it would be easier to manoeuvre to that as supposed to applying strictly for policy roles. Given the competitiveness of the fast stream and my relaxed approach to where I sit in CS, I decided to go through the back door and apply for direct entry roles instead of graduate schemes. I then got my first post Uni role as a correspondence coordinator in Financial Services within the Treasury.

Life in Your Current Role

I’ve worn a few different hats in the Civil Service, and each role has given me a new perspective on how government works behind the scenes.

As a Registry Manager at ESTO, I was the go-to person for keeping official documents and records in check—think of it as making sure everything important was where it needed to be (and not lost in a sea of paperwork!). I also handled correspondence, worked closely with ministers’ offices, and helped improve document management systems to make things run smoother.

Before that, I was a Correspondence Coordinator in Financial Services, where I made sure letters, emails, and reports got to the right people at the right time. It was all about keeping communication clear, professional, and efficient—whether it was responding to stakeholders or making sure ministers had the info they needed.

Now, as an International Trade Advisor at HM Treasury, I’m diving into the world of global markets. My job involves researching international trade opportunities, helping navigate tricky customs and trade laws, and advising on political support for states looking to expand overseas. It’s fast-paced, strategic, and all about managing risks while keeping an eye on global developments.

Across all these roles, one thing has stayed the same: I love problem-solving, working with different teams, and making sure policies and decisions actually work in practice.

Career-Changing Moments

One of the biggest lightbulb moments for me was realising just how important networking is. Attending events, meeting the right people, and putting myself out there has opened so many doors. I’ve also learned that social mobility isn’t just about rules and regulations—it’s about communication, influence, and understanding how the world really works. 

Advice for Future Civil Servants

If you’re thinking about the Civil Service, my top tips are:

1. Get comfortable with networking—it’s a game-changer!
2. Stay curious and keep up with what’s happening in policy and security.
3. Tailor your applications—show them what makes you stand out.
4. Say yes to opportunities, even if they feel out of your comfort zone.

The Civil Service is such a dynamic space, and if you’re passionate about making an impact, go for it!

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

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