OXFORD

NATIONAL POLICY + GOVERNMENT
Sameer Sheorey
Operational Research (OR)
Fast Stream Analyst, The
Brasenose College,
Mathematics, 2013
WHAT: We provide independent,
evidence based advice to both the policy
and operational sides of government,
using scientific methods to aid decision
making. This can involve using structured
workshops and building mathematical
models to understand a complex system
or using statistical techniques to provide
quantitative evidence for decisions.
WHY: There is huge amount to learn,
and there are important and difficult
problems waiting to be solved by people
like you! If you truly enjoy problem solving
I would highly recommend considering
a job in government OR. I have been
working on a tool that simulates passport
control queues in airports and provides a
suggestion for how many desks to have
open to make best use of resources.
GETTING IN: There are two routes to
joining GORS. Firstly you can find GORS
vacancies on Civil Service Jobs website,
which are advertised on a rolling basis.
You can also join GORS on the Fast
Stream; a programme designed to offer
talented and ambitious graduates an
accelerated route to leadership
within the Civil Service. To do so
you will need to apply via the Fast
Stream online application service,
and choose to be considered for
GORS. If you apply to the Fast Stream
you will need to pass online testing
and assessment centres. Whichever
route you take, to join GORS you
should be able to demonstrate
some experience with mathematical
modelling and analytical thinking
from either university work or work
experience.
ADVICE: Government OR is one of
the few areas outside of academia
where you are required to use your
analytical capabilities to the same
extent as when taking a highly
numerate degree at Oxford.
There are a huge range of people
working in OR, from undergraduates
to people with PhDs: as long as you
have an analytical mind and aptitude
for problem solving you are qualified
for the job!
NATIONAL POLICY + GOVERNMENT
Rebecca Hewstone
Senior Manager, Department
for Education
WHAT: Based in Manchester, I lead a
team focussed on supporting candidates
who apply to Initial Teacher Training.
I manage a contract with a company
that delivers support and advice to
candidates, I lead on key stakeholder
relationships and I also manage some
small-scale pilot interventions aimed at
boosting the number of applicants to the
teaching profession.
WHY: I love working for the Department
because I think Education is
fundamentally important, and this is
what really motivates me. I have a great
deal of ownership and responsibility in
my role, and I am constantly learning
new skills and being stretched. This
element of challenge is really important
to me.
and secondments to the UK Green
Investment Bank to consider the
profitability of recycling, and the
European Commission in Brussels.
ADVICE: If you are interested
in working in the civil service,
it is worth persevering with the
Civil Service Fast Stream, and to
keep an eye out for any external
recruitment exercises – they are
rare, but they do happen and allow
you to jump straight into a role
in government. Also, be patient
- you will learn valuable skills as
soon as you start and even if you
don’t go straight into you’re your
preferred departments you will be
able to apply later as positions are
advertised internally.
St John’s College, BA
Psychology & Philosophy,
2012
EARLY CAREER: I took a year out and
worked in my college’s admissions team,
and then as a Research Assistant. After
travelling for a few months, I joined the
Civil Service Fast Stream in September
2013. I’ve worked in a huge range of
roles: developing a legislative fix to
tackle a crime that exploited pensioners;
developing emergency plans for possible
fuel strikes; managing a Job Centre;
TOP TIPS: Use the Careers Service
advice on preparing for the Fast
Stream Assessment Centre, and
speak to anyone you can who has
been through the process to help
you prepare.
Be ready to apply more than once –
many people are successful on their
2nd or 3rd attempts!
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