What does a policy advisor actually do and how do you get into the civil service?

In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace speaks to Adam about building a career as a policy advisor in the UK civil service.

From working on Brexit to shaping tech regulation, Adam breaks down what policy work really looks like behind the scenes and why it’s one of the most impactful (and misunderstood) career paths out there.

He explains:

• What the civil service is (and how it differs from politicians)
• What policy advisors actually do day-to-day
• How policies are researched, designed, and turned into law
• Why policy can take years to develop and implement

He also shares:

• His journey from a sports degree → economics → civil service
• The Fast Stream application process (and how competitive it is)
• What assessment centres are really like
• How to break into government roles without a traditional path

Plus, we get into:

• Working on Brexit and major national decisions
• Balancing personal opinions with apolitical work
• Why curiosity about politics and society really matters
• How to build a meaningful career that impacts real lives

If you’re interested in:

• Civil service careers
• Government jobs UK
• Policy, politics, or economics
• Grad schemes and Fast Stream
• Meaningful, purpose-driven work

This episode is a fascinating look at how decisions that shape the country actually get made and the people behind them.

🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨

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