Career story: How to excel as a strategy adviser

What does day in your shoes feel like? And what are the key skills that can make or break a career in your field?

Apolitical has asked a diverse group of public servants to give us their career story. In this article, Andrew Maitland explains why being able to influence the future of a country and the lives of fellow citizens is among the greatest privileges of being a public servant.

What is your role in government and how do you spend your time on a standard workday?

I am a strategy adviser within the UK Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). Currently, I work within the UK Internal Market team, who are looking to ensure frictionless trade within the UK after the Brexit transition period. My work in the team is very variable, but currently my main focus is supporting the passage of the UK Internal Market Bill through parliament. I have also supported our department's communication with the Welsh and Scottish governments, answering their questions on the progression of the bill. I also hold a project management role within the team, keeping timelines and other important documents up to date.

 In your opinion, what are the most important skills someone needs to excel in your field?

Strong communication is very important for civil servants. In my role, we work with other directorates from within our department as well as civil servants from other departments on a day-to-day basis. Making sure you can cooperate and work as a team is key to making sure these collaborations work well. It's also important to be adaptable, as your work schedule can change very quickly!

What is your favourite part of your job? What would you change if you could wave a magic wand?

I really enjoy the diversity of my work —  it's very fast-paced, so you never know what you'll end up doing each day! If I could change anything about my work, I would have a room full of puppies for “stress relief”.

What advice would you give to young public servants who are interested in a career in your field?

Try and get work experience which helps you build up the key “behaviours” which the Civil Service look for at interviews — these are useful in any area of the civil service if you want to become a policy professional.

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