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A pandemic, public affairs and my pyjamas

Olivia Arnold

Graduating during a global pandemic and with a recession looming, I threw myself into writing CVs and cover letters. Anything politics related was the focus. As little time as possible behind a desk was another aim. On occasion I had considered a job in public affairs but I didn’t know much about what the role itself would entail. However, the deeper into the job applications process I got, the more enticing public affairs became. It seemed like the perfect mix between strategic communications, influencing or persuading others, and politics.

As an outsider looking in, it seemed like a whole new world. Perhaps similar to PR, but not quite the same. Campaigns - a word I once associated with political parties and general elections – appeared to be non-stop, and spanned a multitude of issues. From campaigning on how to subject online platforms to laws, to encouraging the uptake of electric vehicles through public policy.

Six months on and most of these expectations have been confirmed. But one part of public affairs has really surprised me: how close you actually are to public policy. At the forefront of interactions between private and public sectors, you watch and influence decisions being made, and are ultimately involved in shaping societal policy. You are immersed in the world of politics. You advise and research policy areas of every part of the economy, exploring the implications that political developments could have. From there you notice and effect the impact that businesses, through public policy, can have on society. And, equally, it becomes clear how public policy can enhance or act as an obstacle to businesses and therefore potential societal development.

Whether my expectations about what my colleagues look like off-screen are confirmed remains to be seen…

It has been particularly exciting to begin my career in public affairs at an agency. Here, you get to know multiple industries and understand the inner workings, thought processes and decisions of individual businesses with their own business models. Equally, a public affairs agency in turn has its own business model which includes identifying the political vacuums into which businesses can move. This means that, in some ways, our role can involve educating public officials about new and emerging technologies, trends, and firm structures, as well as highlighting the difficulties that exist for some businesses to develop in the current climate. This is an education that often ends up exemplified in new policies.

Because of all this, no two days are the same. At first it can seem overwhelming. Using a commonly used analogy; there are many plates spinning at any one time, some spinning faster than others. But it is incredibly stimulating and completely eye-opening, sometimes unbelievably so.

And this has all been from the safe space that is my bedroom. Although my experience has been behind a desk, many people talk about ‘the time before’ fondly. Frequent face-to-face meetings with a variety of people, actually going to parliament and government departments, and attending events not only to meet others but to also understand the future of certain sectors. While I have had a taste of this virtually, I am anxiously anticipating moving from the virtual realm to reality. Even if it does mean I have to ditch the pyjamas.

My one piece of advice? Just go for it. If – like me – you possess an interest in politics and the inner workings of society, embrace public affairs completely with shameless curiosity.