Anybody work for the civil service here?

[RemainCivil]

Hello,

I am thinking about applying for the civil service fast stream scheme.
The thing is, I am in my early 40s, have spent the last 10 years in a job which gave me a good work/life balance whilst raising my DC. Now that the youngest DC has started school, I want to kick start my career. I have a degree from years ago which was only a third class degree (bereavement was a factor, but no excuse). I then went on to do a MSc degree a few years later in an unrelated field.

The fast stream asks for 2:2 or above. Would my MSc be any good or do I not meet the entrance eligibility criteria? I am not as confident as I used to be - motherhood has knocked quite a bit of it out of me but I would like to try.

Any advice would be appreciated.

I’m not sure whether an MSc would count - I’d ask them. Are you considering the generalist scheme or one of the others?

Very few fast streamers IMEare in their 40s - the huge majority are 20s with a small number in their 30s. I’d also say you need to work on your confidence - the faststream is massively competitive (I think it’s one of the most popular graduate schemes in England), and you do need a good dose of self belief and to present a confident, assertive outward self to succeed. I’m addution to being competent of course!

Have you considered just looking on Civil Service jobs and applying to HEO or SEO jobs direct? (Fast stream equivalent grades). Why are you interested in joining the civil service?

I was thinking of doing the generalist due to my age. Now that you have mentioned that its generally people in the 20s and very few in their 30s who get a place, it will be unlikely that they would consider a 40 something, mum who is not up to date with skills or degree for that matter.

It’s not the case that they will assume you are skill-less in your 40s, and there is no age limit. But you would need to go into it believing that you deserve a place. Have you had a look at the faststream website? Have you read all the stuff from current fast streamers etc? Can you picture yourself doing the kind of work they are talking about?

I'm an assessor for one of the fast stream schemes (not this current year)- I would strongly advise you to contact the team and ask them if they think you'd be eligible and sell your strengths/ life experience. I'm passionate that we should recruit to represent diversity in the CS, but we can't do that if everyone thinks the scheme is just for bright young 20 somethings.

If you don't make it through to the fast stream there's loads of opportunities to join via other routes. Good luck!

I will contact CS on monday. I know that I do not have much time as the closing date is looming real soon. Feel a bit embarassed though as I do not match up to the young 20 somethings ‘hunger’ for success but I certainly have the drive to succeed, albeit with a more measured and relaxed approach. Not sure if that will be good enough. We will see.

The Civil Service is very committed to diversity and your age should not be a barrier to you applying. Go for it.

Your age won’t effect it but you degree might. You do realise how it works don’t you? Placements in different departments etc. will it fit with your life?

Yes, I realise that I may have to move for a placement. I am prepared to do that for long term opportunities. Worrying about my degree now.

On their website, www.faststream.gov.uk if you scroll down the page to the orange bit which says ‘schemes I’m eligibke for’, it has an option which says ‘has or expecting a 2:1 or a postgrad degree’.

This is the bit that has me wondering if my MSc will make me eligible or not. Will find out on monday when I phone them.