Scott Ward, Class of 2014. Head of Group Policy Engagement, NatWest Group

How did your experience at Trinity shape your interest in government, politics or public service?

I was lucky enough to visit the House of Commons with our then Governor, Gavin Barwell, when he was an MP. This and having a good set of teachers – shout out to Mr Brennan and Mr Murphy!

What aspects of your education or extracurricular activities at Trinity have been most valuable in preparing you for your current role?

Reflecting on government & politics A-level material does make me smile at times, given that real-life politics is rarely textbook. What has proven invaluable, however, was having to think on your feet to avoid a friendly grilling from the teacher in question. In the political sphere, the ability to pull together your various proof points and deploy them into a coherent argument is a prerequisite for success.

What was the key moment that led you onto your current career path?

I came relatively late to politics. I wasn’t involved in student politics at school or at university but I did always appreciate a good argument! I was lucky enough to get an internship in parliament before landing a job with the political team in CCHQ in the lead up to Brexit. Being surrounded by such big political characters at such an intensely turbulent time was an intoxicating environment to be in.

What advice would you give to current Trinity students who are considering a career in government, politics or the civil service?

It is key to understand how each of the three operates in reality, not in theory. Read around your interest, be that following in-the-know journalists (my tips would be Steve Swinford at the Times and Jim Pickard at the FT) as well as daily outlets like Politico for the gossip. If you are interested in politics, make an effort to understand the different political coalitions within your party of choice, and how they influence the policy agenda. If officialdom is your thing, read up on the policy areas you are interested in. For both, check your relatives, friends, and friends of friends for any connections in that world and then reach out for a coffee.