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https://faststream.blog.gov.uk/2019/10/07/the-houses-of-parliament-fast-stream/

The Houses of Parliament Fast Stream

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Civil Service Fast Stream, Houses of Parliament

Zoe holding her hair back and smiling at the camera.

Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself. 

A: I am a recent graduate with a Masters degree. I went straight to the university after completing school. After completing my degree, I immediately pursued my Masters degree and started the Fast Stream as my first full time role.

Q: What are you like outside of work?

A: I had an interest in the performing arts. At school I enjoyed singing, acting and dancing. I was unable to continue with my interest after school but I’m hoping to get back into acting and writing eventually. I love going to the theatre and my main hobby is cooking and arranging dinner parties with my friends. I would say I am a very sociable person and enjoy spending time with friends and family. 

I think this is what made me successful in the scheme. My confidence and ability to persuade busy people is a great asset in this role. There is so much going on in Parliament that the ability to be succinct and inspire confidence in those you are talking are vital skills.  

Q: Describe the Fast Stream in one sentence

A: Distinguished, challenging, door-opening. 

Q: What are the three best things about the Fast Stream?

A: Great work/life balance, a chance to make a real difference, working with high profile members. 

Q: What interested you to apply for the Civil Service Fast Stream programme?

A: I was finishing my undergraduate degree in Politics and the Fast Stream was something that was talked about a lot, so it seemed to make sense to apply. 

Q: What attracted you to the programme and the particular stream that you applied for?

A: The Houses of Parliament seemed the most "politically” centred scheme of the selection. 

Q: Please share your experience with the Fast Stream so far?

A: It has mostly been positive, although I did find the work very challenging and probably suffered a degree of "imposter syndrome" during my first 6 months. Having older graduates who have been through the process was an invaluable support system to me and probably the greatest thing about the Fast Stream. The community of graduates becomes friends you make for life!

Q: How does the Fast Stream make you feel?

A: I feel extremely privileged to get a place on the Fast Stream programme. It has given me a ton of confidence in my ability. I naturally feel confident at work and excited to do such a challenging work. Having said that, it has been such a huge learning curve for me and has made me feel out of my depth. 

Q: What advice would you give to someone else considering to apply to the Civil Service Fast Stream programme?

A: Just go for it - I don't think there is a perfect mould candidate and I was very surprised when I was successful. It is worth trying it and realizing how many jobs there are, and there are definitely fantastic perks to the job that you wouldn't get elsewhere, not just including a great work/life balance and the chance to work on high profile cases with high profile people! 

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