Meet Jason, 18, and find out more about his life as a member of the Scottish Youth Parliament, representing Angus South. Part of our Bitesize world of work series.
Jason:
Hello. My name's Jason. I'm 18 years old and I’m a member of the Scottish Youth Parliament. The Scottish Youth Parliament is the democratically elected voice of Scotland's young people, who are working around the clock to make sure that young people are represented and their voices are listened to. I'm part of the jobs and economy committee and our goal has been working on young people's work experience. Work experience is important as it provides a window into the workplace and shows young people what their life could be like after school. There's different ways in which I engage my community, which range from being online and on the phone to being out in the field talking to them on the streets, so that I can access every single young person in my area and to make sure that everyone's views are raised no matter where they live or where they're from.
Jason's colleague:
Me and Jason were both elected to our posts at roughly the same time. Jason provides a really good link into the views of young people. He's always very well presented. He always comes across very well. He's very articulate as well. I think he's definitely got the skills it takes to do well in politics.
Jason:
All of the political work I do for the Scottish Youth Parliament is voluntary, so I work as a barista part-time. As a barista, I help keep the coffee shop clean. I make coffees and serve customers. Being a barista really helps my communication skills which comes in handy with all the political work that I'm doing. At 16, I sat all of my National 5 exams and then when I was 17 years old I sat all my Highers. So, that's when I did Higher History and that's what inspired me into a career in politics. I've a lot of ambitious dreams and ideas but my main goal at the moment is to help young people throughout the whole world. So next year, I'm hoping to study Economics and International Relations at the University of Saint Andrews. And in order to understand communities throughout the world, I'm doing a ten week placement in Tanzania. Through my political work, I hope that I can help young people wake up and realise the importance of taking a stand on politics and being informed of what's going on around them so that they can have a proper say on what will impact their future.
I make sure that young people’s voices are being heard in parliament.
- Jason was inspired to get into politics after watching the coverage of the 2016 presidential election in America
- He is a member of both the Scottish Youth Parliament and the Youth Select Committee
- These groups are made up of elected councillors like Jason who debate important topics such as public transport and jobs
- Jason isn't paid to work as a councillor and instead makes money as a barista in a coffee shop.
Jason's job as a member of the Scottish Youth Parliament is unpaid but it's experience like this that can lead to a professional career as a politician. In the future, Jason could become a Member of Parliament (MP). Members of Parliament (MP) are elected officials who represent people's concerns and interests of the UK in the House of Commons.
What to expect if you want to be a politician
- Politician average salary: £82,000 to £150,500 per year
- Politician typical working hours: 44 to 46 hours per week
What qualifications do you need to be a politician?
The only way to become an MP is to be elected. Each political party has its own selection procedure. Normally, you must get the support of your party's nominating officer before you can become the prospective candidate. Most people show their commitment through campaigning and volunteering for their political party and most of them have another career. You can get other useful experience from:
- serving as a local councillor
- being active in a trade union
- being involved in student politics
- working as a researcher or caseworker for an existing MP
Sources: LMI for All, National Careers Service
This information is a guide and is constantly changing. Please check the National Careers Service website for the latest information and all the qualifications needed.
For careers advice in all parts of the UK visit: National Careers Service (England), nidirect (Northern Ireland), My World of Work (Scotland) and Careers Wales (Wales).
Find out more
Work experience in your area
Find work experience placements with Workfinder.
Tips and advice
Help with interviews, writing a CV and all things work experience related.
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