Public affairs consultant (lobbyist): job description

Monitoring and tracking information forms a large part of a public affairs consultant's job.

What does a lobbyist do? Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills

Typical responsibilities of the job include:

• designing, writing and producing press releases, articles, leaflets, newsletters and reports
• organising meetings
• attending events such as party conferences and select committee hearings
• analysing information sources produced by the European Commission, government departments, Hansard, non-government organisations (NGOs) and think tanks
• providing clients with information about developments in their field
• responding to information requests
• offering strategic advice to clients
• communicating with relevant official bodies
• liaising with civil servants, politicians, regulatory body and local authority staff

Typical employers of lobbyists

• Independent consultancies
• Large public relations firms
• Communications companies
• Small specialist consultancies

Opportunities are advertised on targetjobs, by careers services, by specialist recruitment agencies, in national newspapers and in publications such as PR Week , New Statesman , The House , Electus and their respective websites. The Chartered Institute of Public Relations publishes lists of voluntary placements and salaried graduate training schemes with larger PR agencies.

Qualifications and training required

There are routes into public affairs consultancy for both university graduates and school leavers.

Although any discipline is acceptable, a degree in public relations, politics, government, public administration, social policy, business studies, management, languages or law might be particularly beneficial. Many entrants also hold postgraduate qualifications in politics, public relations or government.

Relevant work experience prior to entry is essential.

Key skills for lobbyists

• Good research skills
• Analytical skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Communication skills
• IT skills
• Initiative
• Diplomacy
• Discretion
• Enthusiasm

Next: search graduate jobs

• View our graduate marketing, advertising and PR vacancies and internships