Why did you choose Warwick?

One of the major reasons I picked Warwick was because of the student opportunities available as I was particularly interested in doing a year abroad. I ended up going to Monash University in Melbourne, and it was the best experience I could have asked for. It gave me the opportunity to learn my subjects in a new way and from a different perspective. I was able to take a Podcasting module, for instance! It was so formative doing something that wasn’t just a given, and the experience really changed my world view as a result.

What are you doing now?

I am an Assistant Private Secretary to the Economics Secretary at HM Treasury. I act as a bridge between ministers and departments. Ministers make decisions based on advice, so I regurgitate information from departments, summarising and pulling out main arguments in briefings. I add a bit of colour, or personalise it, depending on who I am writing it for. I really enjoy it because I am exposed to politics at a high level and feel like I am really utilising my degree every day.

What motivates you to do what you do? 

My degree taught me lots of tangible, hard skills that I use every day, like being able to communicate complex information in an accessible way. I didn’t realise how useful tutor group discussions would be to my career as well. They gave me confidence when it comes to communicating, and to understand other people’s point of view whilst remaining impartial.

Beyond that, I wasn’t really a society person at university. I worked on a Black History Month exhibition project which taught me the skill of working in a group and delegating work when it is not enforced, and how to work as individuals towards a common goal. We also had to consider how to make the information appealing to someone who’s not being forced to read it, a learning which translates into public policy – making information accessible and appealing to reach a wide audience.

Favourite memory? 

My favourite memory has got to be my first day when I arrived at Monash in Australia. I arrived at my accommodation and suddenly felt really overwhelmed and was questioning why I had made the decision to move so far away. Someone who went to Warwick vaguely recognised me and introduced himself, we then went on to be best friends and are still close today. It must be a Warwick thing; you can be halfway around the world and still be bonded by Warwick!

Best thing about the Warwick community?

I feel like it's the people, when you meet someone who went to Warwick there is nothing that is forced, there is a sense of authenticity and a bond between everyone, wherever you might bump into someone who went to Warwick!

Favourite place on campus?

I have very fond memories of the hill near the sports centre, I lived near it in my first-year accommodation and spent a lot of time there with friends, especially in summer. Also, the shop on campus, Roots, I was obsessed with bacon and cheese baps from there.

Edward Kaye

BA History and Politics, 2021