Law graduates working in the civil service:

• assess the effects of new legislation and implement changes when necessary
• support ministers by providing information on matters associated with their department or agency
• negotiate with other professionals in the private and public sectors
• manage the development and implementation of major projects.

Key skills

• written and verbal communication skills
• ability to summarise complex arguments clearly and accurately
• tact, diplomacy and neutrality
• ability to handle numerical data
• time-management skills and methodical approach.

Training to be a civil service employee

Training is undertaken on the job (by a series of job placements), and off the job (at the National School of Government).

The accelerated development programme, the graduate Fast Stream, offers opportunities in many departments, including the Diplomatic Service. There are also graduate opportunities in the Government Communications Headquarters and the Secret Intelligence Service.

Graduate salaries

The starting salary on the Fast Stream is approximately £24,500 in London, less elsewhere. Salaries vary depending on departments and performance. After four to five years, you can expect a further increase, up to around £39,000.