Studying in Sheffield supported me to change careers, giving me the confidence to try something new

I work as a policy advisor in the Department for Education. I work on developing new schools funding policy, engaging with stakeholders, and responding to correspondence from the public. I am also working towards a level 4 Policy Officer qualification as part of the job.

I love my job because no two weeks are the same, and I am working at the centre of decision making, seeing the inner workings of Government. It was the job I always wanted to do, and now I’m doing it!

After graduating, I joined an education charity, working in trusts and statutory fundraising. I wrote funding applications to private foundations, local and central government, and public bodies such as the Arts Council and Sports England for literacy projects in schools, prisons and the community. This gave me exposure to key educational issues, and an insight into some key policy areas of the Department for Education which have really helped me in my current role. 

It was the job I always wanted to do, and now I am doing it!

Christine Kelsey

MA International Public and Political Communication

Studying in Sheffield supported me to change careers, giving me the confidence to try something new. I met new people and made friends from around the world, hearing different perspectives. As part of the Postgraduate Advantage Scheme (PAS), I volunteered for an ESOL charity for refugees. I worked on fundraising, which helped me to get my first job after graduating.

My highlight was definitely working on my dissertation, as it gave me the flexibility to explore something I was really passionate about.