Meet Izabela, who studied BA Politics and International Relations and MSc Media, Power and Public Affairs 

Izabela Pawlic-Seymour - Alumna

Tell us about your career path since graduation. How did you end up where you are?  

Halfway through my Masters degree, I took part in the Civil Service Fast Stream Programme and secured a Policy Advisor position at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. I worked in the Department in various roles for 6 years before moving to the North Sea Transition Authority, which is a government regulator. I’m now a Senior Policy Advisor. I always hoped to work closely to the political centre in the UK and have been very fortunate to land a job while still finishing my degree.   

What was it about your time at Royal Holloway that has most benefitted your career or influenced your path since graduation?  

I’m immensely thankful to the lecturers, who have been role models, great advisors and supporters of mine during my university years and after. The knowledge gained from my degrees has served as a strong foundation in understanding the political world we live in, but also where I work.   

What would you say to potential students considering studying at Royal Holloway and thinking about a career in your sector?  

My years at Royal Holloway shaped the person I am today and taught me to be open to new challenges. My main advice would be - be brave, outspoken and be yourself. Gain experience through internships, shadowing and use the contacts that surround you within the University and through local organisations. Seek out mentors and talk to people to ensure that this is the right career for you. I’d love to see more people from Royal Holloway join the Civil Service or work in politics in many other capacities.  

What did you love most about your time at Royal Holloway? 

At Royal Holloway I was able to explore many courses, learn from others, gain practical experience but most of all, gain lifelong friendships. My critical thinking and curiosity for learning has grown. This has widened my understanding of the world and fostered an environment in which I became my own person.