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How Nina got into the Civil Service
My journey applying to the Civil Service began when I left my teaching career of 18 years. I worked in an amazing, supportive primary school but the workload had left me burnt out and wondering if I could manage this work/life balance until retirement. The short answer was no. With a heavy heart, I left…
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Career Spotlight: Shenel’s Fast Stream experience
Who I Am Hi, I’m Shenel! I’ve been on the Civil Service Fast Stream programme for one and a half years now. I’ve had postings in the Ministry of Justice and Department for Education, and have just started a secondment to the private sector for 6 months at EY. I finished my undergraduate degree only…
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Career Spotlight: How Rohan became an Economic Advisor
Who I Am My name is Rohan, and I’m an Economic Advisor at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. I’ve previously worked on border security at the Home Office, inflation forecasting at the OBR, and the Covid-19 economic response in the Cabinet Office. The Path That Led Me Here I’ve always been drawn…
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How to Succeed in the Civil Service: Calvin’s Story
For my first blog for the Unofficial Civil Service Guide, I wanted to share some reflections from my career in the Civil Service so far for those who have recently joined. I’ve been in the Civil Service for just over 7 years and have been fortunate enough to work in 5 departments across multiple professions…
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Civil Service Career Spotlight: How Mel Hume Built an 18-Year Civil Service Career
Who I am I find myself 18 years deep into my Civil Service career, spending most of those years in HMRC before moving to the Department for Education (DfE) last year. I have always been strongly motivated by societal outcomes – I firmly believe Civil Servants are the backbone of a well-functioning society. The Path…
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Career Spotlight: How Ruqaiya Isa Built a 29-Year Civil Service Career
Who I Am I am a Chartered Project Professional with 29 years in the Civil Service. Mentoring, raising mental health awareness, and volunteering as an NHS Responder are really important to me. Balancing my career and family life with three daughters is something I’m incredibly proud of, and it’s what keeps me motivated. The Path…
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Starting a Career in Diplomacy: Thomas’ Story
Who I Am Hi! I’m Thomas, I am currently on the Diplomatic and Development Fast Stream in the FCDO. I joined because I wanted to help make a positive difference in the world and also to learn from incredible people and work on interesting issues! The Path That Led Me Here Before the Civil Service…
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3 Tips for Speaking to a Hiring Manager
When people ask me for advice about getting into the civil service, deciphering a job description, or navigating the application process, I recommend speaking to the hiring manager. Why? Because hiring managers clarify what they’re looking for in a candidate, what the role entails day-to-day, and what the workplace culture is like. Beyond that, it’s…
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A Career in National Security: Pooja’s story
When Pooja Patel speaks, you listen. A civil servant whose career has been shaped by some of the UK government’s most pressing challenges – Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, and national cybersecurity -Pooja’s story is one of grounded leadership, clear-eyed resilience, and fiercely held purpose. This conversation, hosted by Nathan White from The Unofficial Guide to…