What was your PhD thesis?
My PhD thesis focused on democratic representation in Western Europe and how voters and political parties interact with one another.
My main interest was to understand how parties shift their policy positions in response to changes in public opinion. I found some empirical support that parties adjust their policy positions in line with public opinion, particularly when parties are concerned that not doing so will lead their supporters to abstain from voting.
I was also interested in understanding whether parties influence voters’ political attitudes and perceptions. I found that partisanship, i.e. voters’ attachment to and identification with a party, can have strong effects on how voters respond to political events and update their attitudes and perceptions, which can drive polarisation.
While the first part of my thesis looked at the influence of voters on parties, the second part focused on how parties influence voters. I believe it’s important to look at both perspectives to get a better understanding of how democratic representation works.
What has your job trajectory been since graduating?
After completing my PhD I joined the Civil Service as a social research analyst via the fast stream recruitment process. My first post was in the Home Office where I supported the Independent Review of Prevent, which is a review into the effectiveness of the UK’s strategy to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism. After eight months there I moved to the Serious and Organised Crime Research and Analysis Unit in the Home Office. I now work there as a Senior Research Officer conducting research on drugs misuse and helping to develop and evaluate drugs policies.
I consider it a privilege that I have been able to maintain a close connection with the LSE as a Visiting Fellow since completing my PhD. Over the last year I have helped teach several courses at the School of Public Policy.
How did the PhD at the EI help you get into your sector?
Doing the PhD at the EI has allowed me to develop the analytical skills that are necessary to work as an analyst in the Civil Service. I also gained some good project management skills, which have come in handy in my current role.