Public Affairs Links - Tips for Success

Tips for Success

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We'd love to guarantee you the insight to ensure your career in public affairs will be the most sparklingly successful ever. Sadly, we can't quite do that. What we can do though, is give you the pick of our insights from the experiences we've had in the world of management consultinglobbying and campaigning.

This is not a comprehensive guide on how to get ahead in the tough and competitive political world - just a few pointers to set you off in the right direction.

Go out and impress.

Be professional - Basic stuff. Your punctuality, appearance and language should be blue-chip.

Look the part - Espeically if you work for a consultancy. Entry-level consultants are hired out to clients at sums of up to £500 and more per day. You need to look like you're worth that, so make use of that salary and iron those shirts.

Always give 110% - Again, not rocket science, but nothing speaks louder than consistently high quality work. It takes time perhaps, but it will be noticed.

Network, network, network - Politics really is all about people. Your colleagues will help you find new roles, get promotion and help you out if you're struggling. The more people you know, the easier life will become.

Practice and Initiative - Big pitch coming up? Get in front of the mirror. Feeling a bit short of knowledge on the client's specialism? Look on the net, or ask your colleagues. It's your responsibility to improve yourself, but there's plenty of help out there.

Be nice - You've seen The Apprentice; even the winners are cretins. But that's because it's TV, not business. If you're pleasant, affable and fun, people will want to work with you, and you'll have a better time. Don't be Machiavellian - you will be found out.

Admit mistakes early and take responsibility - The head in the sand approach creates more problems than it solves. Take the rap, and you'll do better in the long run. Mistakes happen, but if dealt with well you can come out with more credit than if it hadn't been made in the first place.

Communicate with your managers regularly - They're busy, but they'll appreciate you taking half an hour every couple of weeks for a quick update. They want to know if you're overloaded, bored, in need of a new challenge or struggling. It's also a great opportunity to remind them of your achievements and successes. Make it a regular formal meeting if necessary.

Get to know the client - It's good for the contract, and its good for you.



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