Throughout the Discover | Political Risk 2025 programme, students asked a variety of great questions. Here is a compilation of the answers and tips given by the alumni working in political risk, who took part in the events.
What should I be doing to build up relevant knowledge?
As well as the basic news, read the op-eds in the NY Times and the FT. Join the subscription platform Substack. Go to places where politics happens, e.g. APPG meetings, or listen to news and current affairs podcasts. Build up some understanding of economics, regulatory changes, markets and political dynamics. Read up on the top geopolitical and global risks of 2025.
What can I do to stand out?
Have a blog. Being active on LinkedIn. Start something to distinguish yourself from other candidates. Write opinion pieces.
How important are languages?
Aside from your native language/s, learning a language fluently that you didn’t grow up speaking demonstrates real commitment.
I don’t have much work experience. Why would clients pay me for my opinion, and don’t they want an expert?
Fake it till you make it!
If you are part of a regional team or have a sector you work primarily on, bear in mind that the client may well be global whereas your knowledge is specialised. Clients are time poor. They will appreciate your insights.
Building up knowledge and specialising comes with time.
For mid-senior level political risk roles, it will be expected that you will have credibility and be an expert.
What skills are important to have?
Networking skills.
Good communication (both verbal and the ability to write concisely).
Attention to detail. Don’t make spelling mistakes in your applications!
Analytical and research skills – qualitative skills are important (though for some roles in political risk, quantitative skills can be valuable to have too).
Open source / data science skills.
What other career paths are useful for getting into political risk?
Think tanks, public affairs, strategic communications roles, commercial due diligence (e.g. M&A), work in government or work for an MP, journalism, work in an international organisation, Chambers of Commerce.
How do I network with people in the industry?
It is a network-based industry.
Use LinkedIn but think about who you want to speak to. Before reaching out, research what different people do at the company.
Consider a personalised approach, for example: ‘I love your newsletter. I like what you were saying about…’
Networking is not all about reaching out on LinkedIn. Go to events, speak to people, utilise your existing network (friends, peers etc.).
Where can I learn more about careers in political risk?
For further reading about a career in political risk, why not check out this previous blog post for further resources and recommendations about the sector or visit one of our Discover | Political Risk events.
