Study for a Politics degree and become a politician's gofer.

[zeitghost]

Case studies: Politician

It's no wonder politicians know bugger all about anything real.

[Mich the Tester]

[Incognito]

Case studies: Politician

It's no wonder politicians know bugger all about anything real.

So exactly what skills do you gain working in the 'real world' that you can't get through an internship and then working in a parliamentary office? How to invoice on a monthly basis? How to avoid office politics? How flat rate VAT works? How to post tulipe on an internet forum?

I work in IT, I wouldn't have the first idea how NHS procurement works. My other half is a primary school teacher, she doesn't have a gnats arse in hell in understanding what I do (apart from post tulipe on an internet forum). Where are the 'real life' lessons in that?

[Mich the Tester]

So you're all in favour of our cloistered professional politician class, then?

Just imagine the damage if they had real jobs.

[Incognito]

So you're all in favour of our cloistered professional politician class, then?

Starting out in an internship then being a gofer is completely different to some Eton toff being parachuted into a safe seat without a clue or some socialist working for a left wing public funded mouthpiece before being handed the same parachute.

Gordon Brown - College lecturer, TV journalist
Jacqui Smith - Teacher
John Prescott - Ships steward
John Major - Insurance clerk, Electricity board

'Real life' experience didn't do them much did it, possibly four of the most ridiculed MPs in the last decade.

[Mich the Tester]

Starting out in an internship then being a gofer is completely different to some Eton toff being parachuted into a safe seat without a clue or some socialist working for a left wing public funded mouthpiece before being handed the same parachute.

Gordon Brown - College lecturer, TV journalist
Jacqui Smith - Teacher
John Prescott - Ships steward
John Major - Insurance clerk, Electricity board

'Real life' experience didn't do them much did it, possibly four of the most ridiculed MPs in the last decade.

John Major did a lot of good for Britain but never got the credit for it.

[Incognito]

John Major did a lot of good for Britain but never got the credit for it.

John Major never had the personality unfortunately. He was an easy target and I think the spitting image characterisation of him led to a lot of his bad press.

[Mich the Tester]

John Major never had the personality unfortunately. He was an easy target and I think the spitting image characterisation of him led to a lot of his bad press.

His own party didn't give him the support he needed and deserved. Personally, I would certainly buy him a pint.

[NotAllThere]

In politics, a week is a long time

begins one paragraph, which has absolutely nothing to do with the rest of it.

OTOH, he has to keep abreast of various laws, governmental procedures and regulations in order to help constituents so they'll vote for his MP, so I guess it requires some diligent work.

[Doggy Styles]

How to invoice on a monthly basis? How to avoid office politics? How flat rate VAT works?

Even if an MP only knew those things he might have more of a clue about managing a budget.