Daisy Drury is part of the Political Research Team at DeHavilland, a leading Political Monitoring company.

Can you explain what your company does, and specifically what your job entails....

DeHavilland is a political monitoring service. We provide parliamentary and media monitoring for a range of public affairs clients, along with research support. We also provide additional services during particularly busy political periods, such as re-shuffles and party conferences.
I am a Political Researcher on the Political Research Team. We are responsible for providing the actual service for clients. We are assigned clients according to sectors, so we each specialise in a particular area. My clients come from the arts, sports and media sectors. Others will be assigned clients from the health, transport and other sectors.

What degree did you take? Was it useful or not in getting your job?

I have a joint degree in English and Politics. It isn't an absolute requirement to have a political degree, but it certainly helps. Others have degrees in history, philosophy and international relations.

Did you do have any work experience which helped you get into this line of work?

Experience is crucial when working in public affairs. People that work in Political Research at DeHavilland have previously worked for MPs and Public Affairs consultancies. Internships are common in politics and this is normally how people start out. I completed an internship at a consultancy in Westminster prior to being offered this job.

What are the hours like, and do you ever take your work home with you?

On average, around 8 hours a day. Work is not taken home with you, but you will be expected to attend party conferences, which means staying in hotels around the country for up to three weeks every autumn.

How sociable is your job?

Party conferences are when we socialise most with our clients. DeHavilland is a young workplace, particularly Political Research, with lots of recent graduates. The offices are based in Camden, with lots of opportunities to go for after work drinks.

What opportunities are there to progress in your field of work?

The job provides brilliant experience for people starting out in public affairs. The majority of people in this position move on to work in public affairs roles for clients. You have a chance to meet a lot of people and build good contacts within the industry.

Any advice for students hoping to go into politics?

Obviously, in addition, an interest, understanding and genuine enthusiasm for politics is essential! But I really would stress that work experience is key, it really does help to open doors in this sector.