Alex Agnew

MSci Physics , 2022
Science and Engineering Civil Service Fast Streamer

Over three years I’ll work in four different Civil Service departments as a Science and Engineering Fast Streamer, helping to embed science and evidence into decision making at the heart of government. Over the past year I’ve worked with Big Data as a data analyst in the Department of Work and Pensions, and now I’m working as project manager in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

What is the best thing about what you are doing now?

Two things, being involved at the cutting edge of science and technology, and being able to see the immediate impact of my work on people and businesses across the United Kingdom.

What made you interested in your current role?

I wanted to use everything I’d learnt in Physics, and more broadly my STEM background, to have an impact. I had a strong interest in government, and what government can and does do for us, and I wanted a job at the heart of where decisions were made. The Civil Service Fast Stream is a leadership development programme, and it’s exciting to learn so many skills in a huge variety of different departments.

Alex Agnew

How has your career developed since graduating?

I’m still in the early stages of my career, but three things were critical to where I am today. The first is understanding and using evidence to make decisions, and this stemmed from my focus on experimental physics. The second is my outreach work and positions on society committees. The skills you learn from leading a project, or a workshop are invaluable for preparation for the Civil Service. The third is the opportunities afforded to me, such as the Personal Skills Award and the Civil Service Summer Internship in the statistics profession I undertook.

Which skills learned at University do you use most in your job?

Communication above almost anything else in all its forms. From my outreach work, my degree, and my work as a branding and graphic freelance designer, I was able to develop written, analytical and presentational communication skills. Equally important has been to learn to try new things, be put outside your comfort zone, and to develop new skills, not falling into areas where you feel comfortable.

What motivates you?

The desire to improve things and to make an impact. The Civil Service touches every aspect of the UK impacting how we operate domestically and abroad. I’m driven to work my hardest to lead change, improve our public services, and help in any way I can to afford others the opportunities I’ve been lucky enough to have.

 

We Are Birmingham Alumni

Why did you originally apply to the University of Birmingham?

An equal split between the campus atmosphere and the quality of the Physics department. Honestly I was so encouraged by the approachability of the teaching staff, combined with the friendliness and atmosphere of the University. It wasn’t a difficult decision. And here I am, a year after graduating, still loving Birmingham and the West Midlands.

What are your fondest memories of the University?

It’s always got to be the people I met. That includes both friends and teaching staff, colleagues in the string orchestra and music department, and friends made in Birmingham outside of day-to-day university life.

Did you get involved in any extracurricular activities as a student?

Yes, I was a part of Model United Nations, Engineers Without Borders, STEM Ambassadors, GCSE Physics Mentoring, Physics Ambassador and  the Music Society Committee.

How did your time at University help you start your career?

It gave me the space to find out what I enjoyed, both off and on campus. I think my biggest influence was probably living in Birmingham, which is a fantastic city with so much to get involved with.

Did you take advantage of any of support services offered by the University? 

The Personal Skills Award and Birmingham Project were instrumental to my interest in the Public Sector. I also utilised the careers service to get my first internship, and for support in the Civil Service Fast Stream.

Is there anything you wish you knew either before you started your studies or before you graduated that would have better helped prepare you?

Don’t be afraid to try new things, push your skills. Not only will you develop as a person, but it was a fantastic way to meet some incredible people. Explore Birmingham, it’s a fantastic city, and not just Birmingham. Head into the West Midlands, there’s so much to see and do!

What advice would you give to current students studying on your degree programme?

Of course you need to look at the usual career paths for Physics. But go and seek out other options too - consider the Civil Service. As we go faster towards new technologies, with new opportunities and challenges, we need people with incredible scientific and technological skills. Physics opens so many doors, the hardest thing is choosing which one is for you (and knowing what they all are)!

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