Sam T.
About me
| Sam T. | |
| Politics, Economics and Philosophy | |
| Politics and Philosophy | |
| Taught Postgraduate | |
| Langwith | |
| 2008 | |
| United Kingdom |
My employment
| Policy Programme Manager | |
| Making Every Adult Matter coalition | |
| United Kingdom | |
| Charity and voluntary sector | |
| Small business (0-49 employees) | |
| 2014 |
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A day in the life of a Policy Programme Manager in the United Kingdom
Policy manager working for a coalition of national charities
My career goals when I graduated
I thought I'd like to work in research, was interested in politics and policy, and wanted to do something useful.
My career history
I worked for a university setting up an online learning course, and then for a charity working with local community projects across England. I've also done spells at a local authority and making coffee.
What has helped my career to progress
Working hard, having supportive managers and a bit of good luck.
Courses taken since graduation
An MA in Political Philosophy at York, which was fascinating and helped me get better at seeing all sides of an argument.
My advice to students considering work
Be open-minded, make yourself indispensable, and don't worry too much.
My advice about working in my industry
Accept that you probably won't get your dream job straight away, and be ready for the insecurity of working in a lean and precariously-funded sector.
Contacting me
I'm very happy to answer any questions on the issues that I work on, or indeed working in the charity sector more generally.
What I do
I run a project bringing the voices of people with multiple needs and those who support them into policy debates. I work with people with experience of homelessness, substance misuse, mental health problems and contact with the criminal justice system, and the practitioners who support them. I help them to understand the policy process, and to influence politicians and policymakers.
Skills I use and how I developed them
I listen, talk, research, write, and manage a team based across three national charities. Any skills I've developed have been through doing new things.
What I like most
Being in contact with a huge range of people, learning about their experiences and challenging my own ideas and assumptions.
What I like least
Working for a charity means that there are very few everyday tasks that you don't end up doing for yourself.
What surprised me most
How much I still find myself learning.
Next steps...
If you like the look of Sam’s profile, the next steps are down to you! You can send Sam a message to find out more about their career journey. If you feel you would benefit from more in-depth conversations, ask Sam to be your mentor.