How do you think a UK parliamentary assistant role compares to a role doing policy work at an NGO working at a more international level / in a less affluent country?
Hey! I’m not sure I have the right experience or knowledge to make the comparative claim, but it would certainly be worth considering the following:
I’ve heard that international diplomacy (e.g. at the UN) is difficult for an individual to influence, and lots of big decisions come down to domestic considerations anyway
In terms of NGOs, I think advocacy can be a great route, though more impactful if it is aimed at an influential government (the US, EU, UK)
In global terms the UK is a significant player, especially in some priority cause areas—e.g. global health policy, international development, military / great power conflict. You are probably more likely to have influence over these issues from London than from a developing country’s political system.
Whether or not you go for UK or another political system is probably 99% determined by whether you are from the UK. It is very difficult for French people to break into UK politics, and vice versa.
Thank you for writing this!
One question I have for you:
How do you think a UK parliamentary assistant role compares to a role doing policy work at an NGO working at a more international level / in a less affluent country?
Hey! I’m not sure I have the right experience or knowledge to make the comparative claim, but it would certainly be worth considering the following:
I’ve heard that international diplomacy (e.g. at the UN) is difficult for an individual to influence, and lots of big decisions come down to domestic considerations anyway
In terms of NGOs, I think advocacy can be a great route, though more impactful if it is aimed at an influential government (the US, EU, UK)
In global terms the UK is a significant player, especially in some priority cause areas—e.g. global health policy, international development, military / great power conflict. You are probably more likely to have influence over these issues from London than from a developing country’s political system.
Whether or not you go for UK or another political system is probably 99% determined by whether you are from the UK. It is very difficult for French people to break into UK politics, and vice versa.
Hope that’s helpful!
Yes it is, thank you!