Member of Parliament (MP)
Be the voice of your community in debates about laws and issues. Make new laws to improve people's lives and help solve individual problems.
Also known as: politician, Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP)
About the job
What it's like
Want to become a member of parliament (MP) or member of the Scottish parliament (MSP)? First, you'll need to campaign and persuade people in your community to vote for you to become their representative. Once elected, you'll speak on behalf of local people at debates about new laws or national and international issues.
You'll try to persuade other politicians to make laws and policy that improve people's lives. As an MP or MSP, you'll also help individual constituents with local problems and issues they're facing.
There are different parliaments you could stand for:
The Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh
The House of Commons – part of the United Kingdom Parliament – at Westminster in London
You'll speak in public and in parliament to put forward your constituency's interests and express your own political beliefs. If you're elected as a member of a political party, you'll explain and defend its policies.
Once you've gained some political experience, you could hold a position of extra responsibility. For example, you may become a government minister, Scottish cabinet secretary or party spokesperson for issues that are important to you.
Your tasks might include:
attending sessions in parliament, debating issues and raising questions
voting on new laws and policies
sitting on committees and attending meetings and conferences
holding surgeries and advice sessions in your constituency – you'll listen to constituents' issues and concerns
studying reports, data and analysis on relevant issues
giving interviews to journalists and campaigning for your political party
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
The Scottish Parliament – learn about the parliament, what MSPs do and how the Scottish political system works
UK Parliament – find out about the House of Commons, House of Lords and how you can become an elected representative
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- analysing
- taking responsibility
- negotiating
- making decisions
- ethical
- attention to detail
- empathising
- problem solving
- verbal communication
- networking
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Economics
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English
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Modern Studies
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Philosophy
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Politics
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Religious Moral and Philosophical Studies - RMPS
There are no set qualifications to get into this career. But you must have excellent communication skills and an understanding of the issues that matter to your constituents.
Entry is very competitive and you'll need to be nominated by your party to stand in an election. You could also stand as an independent candidate. You'll then need to be elected by the area you represent.
Members of parliament (MPs) and members of the Scottish parliament (MSPs) come from a range of backgrounds. These include:
serving as a local councillor – this is a popular route to becoming an MP or MSP
being active in a trade union – you'll build political know-how and contacts as trade unions work closely with politicians
getting involved with student politics at college or university
working as a researcher or caseworker for an existing politician
switching from other professions – many people stand for parliament after a successful career in law, business or journalism
Great politicians start with strong local roots. Volunteering is a brilliant way to get involved, make a difference and build useful experience. Look for opportunities near you on Volunteer Scotland.
Before being selected to stand for election, you'll normally need paid or unpaid experience of working for a political party.
You must be at least 18 years old to become a member of parliament (MP) or member of the Scottish parliament (MSP).
All members of parliament need a good understanding of local and national issues, as well as current affairs.
You must be eligible to vote in elections for the parliament you're standing for.
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