After two years working as a Parliamentary Researcher for Dr Rupa Huq MP, transitioning into an Account Executive role in PLMR’s Education Practice – where I’m now working across public relations, public affairs and communications – has felt like a natural step.

At its core, both politics and PR rely on effective storytelling, strategic engagement and influencing the right people at the right time. In Parliament, my job was to help shape policy discussions from the inside – crafting speeches, briefing MPs and liaising with stakeholders. Now, at PLMR, I get to work on the other side – helping clients navigate policy changes, engage decision-makers and build public campaigns that drive real impact.

While the tools and tactics differ, the ultimate goal remains the same: shaping conversations that matter.

Here’s how my Westminster experience has prepared me for the fast-moving world of public affairs and communications.

One of the biggest adjustments in moving to an agency setting is shifting from an internal political role to an external advisory one. In Parliament, my focus was supporting a single MP’s work – drafting questions, researching policy issues and liaising with constituents and stakeholders. Now, at PLMR, I work across multiple clients, supporting education organisations to engage with policymakers, media and the public.

Yet, the core skills are surprisingly similar. Both roles require a deep understanding of the political landscape – knowing how and when decisions are made, who the key influencers are and what factors drive policymaking. In Parliament, this meant staying ahead of legislative developments, tracking committee inquiries and knowing which MPs or ministers were pivotal in shaping debates. At PLMR, the same skills apply – helping clients anticipate political shifts and identify opportunities for engagement.

Building relationships with key stakeholders is another crucial skill that carries over. In Parliament, I worked with a range of groups – from trade associations and advocacy organisations to journalists and constituents – ensuring their concerns were represented to key decision makers. Now, at PLMR, this translates into helping clients cultivate relationships with policymakers, media professionals and sector leaders. Strong stakeholder engagement is the foundation of both political and PR successes and having insight into how MPs and decision-makers operate has enabled me to hit the ground running with guiding clients through these complex networks.

Messaging is another key area where my experience in Parliament translates well. Every policy briefing, speech or constituent response had to be clear, concise and compelling. MPs need well-structured arguments that cut through political noise and resonate with their audiences, whether in the chamber, press or their constituencies. In communications and public affairs, the challenge is similar – translating technical issues into impactful narratives that drive action. Whether it’s drafting a press release, organising a parliamentary event or writing a briefing note, storytelling remains key to shaping public perception and influencing decision makers.

While many of my Westminster skills transfer well into public affairs and PR there are some key differences. For example, as a parliamentary researcher, I was focused on a single MP’s priorities – which, to name but a few, included the wonderful constituency of Ealing Central and Acton; the Culture, Media and Sport Committee and her Private Member’s Bill on event ticketing – to now managing multiple clients across sectors. Where I was once deeply embedded in on one MP’s work, I now work across different clients – each with unique goals, stakeholders and messaging needs.

In just my first week alone, I wrote a press release for a school’s Ofsted inspection; compiled stakeholder maps and media lists for MP visits; drafted social media posts for National Apprenticeships Week and did copywriting for a school’s new website.

I love that the variety and pace are different, though the core skills remain the same.