From PSA to Fast Streamer
Laura Scott shares how the Personal Skills Award led to her successful career as a Civil Service Fast Streamer
Laura is a second-year generalist on the Civil Service Fast Stream, who studied Psychology here at the University of Birmingham in 2018. Whilst at University, Laura completed the Personal Skills Award in her first year, as she knew it was important to develop her transferable skills and articulate them to employers. In this handy blog, she shares how the PSA helped her bag space on the prestigious civil service graduate scheme, and why she recommends the award to any current students considering whether it’s worth it.
There are three things I particularly enjoyed about the PSA:
Recognition for extracurricular activities.
I was already involved in societies and volunteering, but through the PSA I was able to get them formally recognised. This also helped me focus on the specific skills I was gaining from each activity.
Skills sessions
The PSA’s employer-led skills sessions really helped me delve into learning the skills I’d need to succeed in the workplace. The sessions were also a great way to network with employers and learn about the opportunities they offer.
Interview practice
This was invaluable for me. The interview preparation session was full of helpful tips, and I got the opportunity to practice with other students. I chose to be video interviewed, and the team’s thorough feedback helped me to feel confident and prepared for the real thing!
The support and skills I got through the PSA were undoubtedly a factor in my success in the Fast Stream assessment process.
I spent my first year-long posting on the Fast Stream as a policy advisor at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. I regularly led on briefings, Parliamentary Questions and submissions and even got the opportunity to brief several ministers face-to-face in the department.
A personal highlight for me was providing box duty in the House of Commons. The officials’ box is where civil servants sit ready to brief the minister(s) who are at the despatch box answering questions. It was surreal to sit there after seeing the House on TV for so many years — I just never thought I’d end up so close to all the action!
Another thing I enjoy is the learning and development offer. I recently went on a Presenting Confidently course, where I picked up practical tips and feedback about how to deliver messages to various audiences.
I now work in internal communications at the Valuation Office Agency, where I work with senior colleagues to help them engage with the people in our agency and speak with them about what really matters.
If you’re interested in the Fast Stream or the internship programmes it offers, you can pre-register your interest for the next application window via the Fast Stream website.
