What it Takes to Become an MSP

MSP Kate Forbes has been the representative for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch since 2016. She has contributed to many campaigns since her election, such as the ban of plastic straws, the promotion of teaching Gaelic, and closing the gender pay gap in the Highlands to name a few.

I spent an afternoon in the Houses of Parliament in Edinburgh speaking to Kate about what it takes to become an MSP.

      1. Which degree/qualification do parliament look for a candidate to have?

The whole point of being an MSP is that you are a representative of the people, and that means there should be a diverse range of MSPs in every sense of the word, including their educational qualifications. Therefore, there's there no set path in becoming an MSP in terms of education. There are so many varied routes and everyone has a different one. 

      2. What makes an exceptional MSP?

There are 3 key points - and all 3 are not skills you will ever learn through education. The first is being an MP for people. People are talking at, to and through MSPs every minute of the day so you must have a love for people or you'd go mad! It is constant interaction, so you must have empathy. Secondly, an ability to communicate. It's all fine and well if you're doing amazing things, but if you can't tell anyone about it then nobody knows about it. the bread and butter of being a politician is speeches and debates so this is obviously a key skill. And thirdly, being able to multitask. This is in terms of being able to pick up a variety of issues quickly to a high standard so you're able to talk to people about it in a sufficient way. 

      3. What impact do graduates/young people have? 

Everyone can have an impact if they get involved. As much as MSPs can encourage young people to have their say and make them feel welcomed, it's really up to them at the end of the day to participate - to join parties and campaign. And once you've got involved, you have the same say as everyone else, despite age or time or experience in the job. 

      4. What do graduates/young people find most challenging?

Probably one of two things. Firstly, it is the fact they may not feel welcome. On a daily basis someone could come up to you and say "you look awfully young". You can take that to heart or you can move on. Secondly, there are plenty of people with a lot more experience that we need to respect and learn from and it's not a factor of coming in and feeling you have a right to be there and share their views, as everyone else has got to the same place and you may end up drowning everyone else out.

      5. Why should someone become an MSP?

It is probably the only job in Scotland that blends the fence of public duty and desire to serve people, with the variety of subject matters and also can be done in every corner of the country. there are likely jobs that share the first two characteristics but you cannot necessarily do all over Scotland. Being an MSP means you can work everywhere and anywhere. It is a widespread role both geographically and in terms of subject matter. 

Crafting your Future Career with Brewdog

Brewdog was founded in 2007 and since then they have become a market leader in cutting-edge beer, restaurants, and bars. They are renowned for their chilled out and community focused culture.

I spent an afternoon at DogTap, their distillery in Ellon, speaking to people of various roles in the business - Head of Distillation Stephen Kersley, 'The Job Whisperer' Nicolle Sinclair, 'Brewcruiter' Alex Mair, 'The Helmsman' Mark Dalgarno, and Recruitment Resourcer Bex Hislop. Here's what Brewdog had to say...

     1. Which degrees/qualifications do you look for candidates to have?

Brewdog don't offer graduate schemes, however, they welcome candidates from many different backgrounds if they fit the job description and company culture. There is a huge emphasis on there being no set path to end up working with Brewdog. If it's brewing and distilling you're interested in then a degree in chemistry or engineering points you in the right direction. Heriot-Watt offer a Brewing and Distilling BSc and there are various other qualifications you can attain which are very tailored to the skills required for a job at DogTap. 

However, the main focus is on passion points and to have a love for the process. If you're innovative, creative, and experimental and love brewing you own beer at home, you'd fit in with the team - Stephen, Head of Distillation, summed it up as requiring a "relentlessly curious" personality and drive.

     2. What makes an exceptional employee?

Someone who is exposed to the Brewdog way - they know the language, they have a passion for the brand, and they have a willingness and aptitude to learn. If they have a degree and experience in the field, then great! But if they are proactive, self-driven and have great social skills then they will stand out. It's these extras on top of a degree that make a person a great employee, said Nicolle, Global Head of Talent.

     3. What impact do graduates have on your business?

They have a huge positive influence as they aren't pigeon holed in the business. Employees are given their own PDP and use this to their benefit as they can set their targets for the next job role they want, and move there at their own pace. 

The local outreach programme that Brewdog undertake in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire (Ellon Academy, RGU, Aberdeen University, etc) gives back to the community but also allows Brewdog to attain the insight of fresh minds and innovative young thinking.

     4. Which elements do graduates find most challenging?

The business is always modernising and changing, so it's sometimes hard for new recruits to keep up. Brewdog doesn't have the "it's not broken, so why fix it" mentality. They don't play safe and always strive to innovate and change the way the business works for the better. There's also a high expectancy to perform, with a "have your shit together" mindset, says Mark.

     5. Why should a candidate chose your business as their grad job?

Recruiter, Bex, had a very personalised path as she began at Brewdog part-time whilst completing her schooling at Ellon Academy. She says that the Brewdog culture is so unique and inspiring - it's a "Monday is the best day of the week" type employer and they offer many great benefits for their employees. Alex, who is also a recruiter, says that the company is so mission-led and they are sincerely a good employer that the staff feel proud to work for. 

Find out more about Jobs at Brewdog here

The Oil and Gas Route

STATS Group is an engineering services business operating in the oil and gas industry. They are known for their excellent reputation for providing a responsive, client-centred approach to the industry. Their core values include team work, innovation, delivery and respect.

I spoke with CEO, Leigh Howarth, who gave an insight into what STATS look for when hiring graduates...

1) Which degrees/qualifications do you look for a candidate to have?

We recruit across many functions but the one function we do look for a degree in is engineering. In the oil and gas industry, and in our service offering of pipeline isolation and repairs, our clients look for a product and service that gives them confidence. A degree provides a baseline of confidence backed up with work experience which leads to competence.

By the very nature of our business and the markets we work in, there is a need to employ dynamic staff who are able to work well in small teams and on their own initiative. Fit is everything when working in small teams so although the degree is a must for an engineering role, the fit and the right attitude is what will make the difference for applicants wanting to work at STATS.

2) What makes an exceptional employee?

An exceptional employee of STATS Group is one who understands our culture, our clients culture and our client needs. They will “go the extra mile” to ensure our clients needs are met whilst maintaining the core values of our business (Teamwork, Delivery, Innovation, Respect). Someone with a “can do attitude” will go a long way in the business – recognising we are a service provider and that the safe, efficient delivery of our services is essential. An exceptional employee always challenges themselves to ensure they continually evolve in line with the demands of the role and the business.

3) What impact do graduates have within your business?

Graduates bring a fresh dynamic to our team here at STATS Group. Graduates are absorbed into teams and projects to be active participants in jobs from a very early stage in their career with the business. This steep learning curve encourages graduates to ask questions and challenge norms. This can only be good for the business and for the graduates as they are being exposed to things they might not normally see as a graduate. Whilst our graduates are expected to learn quickly, both the business and the graduate benefit.

4) Which elements do graduates find most challenging?

Being a fast paced business, getting up to pace with the technology and the pace of how things work here can be hard. If we have selected well though, we have the right people with the right attitudes and work ethic to fit into our teams quickly.

5) Why should a candidate chose your business as their grad job?

Graduates would enjoy working at STATS Group as they get a broad exposure to all parts of a job. From client kick off meetings to delivery and installation of our products, a graduate will be exposed to every element of the process. They won’t be sheltered, but mentored and supported throughout a project ensuring the learning process is accelerated. Our graduates tell us that this is the most rewarding part of their development, being involved all the way through the service delivery process.

Find out more about opportunities at STATS Group here