I chose to study a Bachelor of Science in Politics and International Relations, at Canterbury Christ Church University because it allowed me to develop as an individual both in terms of personal development and career development.
Politics has always been my main passion. From a young age I volunteered at Oxfordshire County Council. This carried on throughout my University studies whereby I helped MPs in Dover and Canterbury with regard to the European Union referendum campaign and key by-elections. Alongside this I was heavily involved in the Politics and Debating Society.
I chose to specialise in British Politics in my final year, taking the Parliamentary Studies module (which is run in association with the House of Commons) and undertaking a double credit dissertation on House of Lords reforms. I was supervised by Dr Mark Bennister, who specialises in British Politics and actively publishes in this field, both of these factors contributed to my dissertation being awarded my highest grade throughout my degree.
A few months after graduating I was employed as a caseworker for an Oxfordshire MP. I now split my time between Westminster and the local constituency. The research skills I developed through my dissertation are put to use daily with the composition of briefing papers and key documents. Alongside this I get to work within my local constituency on key issues which like the world of politics are constantly changing. This makes the role exciting and challenging but ultimately rewarding.
My degree studies are the foundation to my career within the world of Politics. My time at CCCU allowed me to develop my own views and gave me the knowledge to grow academically and personally. This is all thanks to the staff of the Politics department who are supportive and allow individual views to grow whilst being challenged and enhanced.