First, we’d love for you to tell us a little bit about yourself
I’m from Rugby, in the middle of England, but I moved to Edinburgh for my undergraduate degree. Before starting at Ofcom, I completed a master’s degree in Russian politics and spent a couple of months travelling.
What motivated you to apply for the role?
I’ve always been interested in politics, so I was excited to apply for a role which offered hands-on experience with policy, research and enforcement. I was drawn to Ofcom because of the variety of rotations – and I was really interested in many different areas of the organisation. So, I applied, and here we are now!
What was your application journey like?
It was a long process, but an exciting one. Some parts were quite challenging, like the initial video interview which I convinced myself had gone terribly! I enjoyed the assessment centre, which also gave me a valuable opportunity to learn more about the role and about Ofcom itself.
What have you learned from going through the process?
I learned that it’s super important to balance being prepared with being flexible. The STAR method is a great technique to stay focused in interviews, but I also realised how valuable it is to feel confident adapting. No matter how much you prepare, you might be asked a question or given a task you weren’t expecting. It’s important to recognise that this can happen, and trust that you have the skills to respond to tricky questions or complex tasks with confidence and adaptability.
What are your tips for people looking to follow in your footsteps?
One practical tip I’d give is to read the job description and essential criteria carefully. These give you a clearer understanding of the role and they’re what you’ll be assessed against at all stages of the process. Really think about how you can showcase these qualities throughout the process.
Other than that – and I know it’s a bit corny – be yourself! Learn a bit about the role, its requirements and Ofcom when you apply, but remember to be authentic throughout the process too. It’s just as much about whether the role is right for you as it is whether you’re right for the role.
Tell us about the future. What’s next?
As a graduate at Ofcom, I’m really excited to gain deeper understanding of the organisation through my different rotations. I’ve been with Ofcom for just over a month, and I already have my eye on a few different areas which I’m keen to explore! It’s been great to start building connections and knowledge, and I’m excited to learn more.