Charlie Hall

Current Employer/Organisation Name

CityFibre

What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?

Since graduating from the University of Exeter, I’ve built my career across local government, Parliament, and now the private sector in public affairs. I started as a Members Services, Committee and Civic Support Officer at Devon County Council, supporting democratic processes, scrutiny, and local policy delivery.

I then moved into Parliament, where I worked as a parliamentary assistant. In that role, I supported an MP across legislative work, media engagement, and constituency casework, gaining first-hand experience of how policy is shaped and communicated.

I now work at CityFibre as a Public Affairs Manager. My role focuses on engaging with government, regulators, and industry stakeholders to support the rollout of digital infrastructure across the UK. This includes influencing policy, supporting campaigns, and helping to ensure connectivity reaches communities and businesses nationwide.

Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?

I chose a career in public affairs because I’ve always been interested in how decisions are made and how they affect people’s everyday lives. Studying International Relations at Exeter gave me a strong foundation, but it was also my early experience in local government and Parliament that showed me the real-world impact of policy and advocacy.

What I enjoy most is the combination of strategy, communication, and tangible outcomes. Public affairs sits at the intersection of politics, business, and society, which means no two days are the same. I particularly value the opportunity to take complex issues and translate them into clear, persuasive narratives that can influence decision-makers.

In my current role, I also find it rewarding to work on something as fundamental as digital connectivity. Improving infrastructure isn’t just a technical challenge – it has a direct impact on economic growth, social mobility, and access to opportunity, which makes the work feel meaningful as well as intellectually engaging.

Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?

I was part of the Debating Society.

What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?

What I enjoyed most about International Relations was the breadth of topics and how they connected global theory with real-world events. The course challenged me to think critically about political systems, international conflict, and global cooperation, while also developing strong analytical and writing skills.

The biggest highlight was engaging in debates and coursework that linked directly to current affairs. Being able to apply academic theory to live global issues made the subject feel dynamic and relevant, and it played a key role in shaping my interest in public affairs and policy.

What did you most enjoy about studying here?

I really valued the sense of community at Exeter. There was a strong balance between academic life and social opportunities, which made it easy to build friendships and get involved in a wide range of activities.

The supportive environment from both lecturers and peers helped me grow in confidence, while the wider university experience – from societies to events – made it an enjoyable and well-rounded time.

Why did you choose to study at Exeter?

I chose to study at University of Exeter because of its strong reputation for International Relations and the quality of its teaching. The course content stood out as both academically rigorous and closely linked to real-world issues, which was important to me.

Alongside that, the campus environment and student experience really appealed. It felt like a place where I could challenge myself academically while also making the most of university life more broadly.

What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?

My degree in International Relations gave me a strong foundation in critical thinking, research, and written communication, all of which are essential in public affairs. The ability to analyse complex issues, understand different perspectives, and construct clear, evidence-based arguments has been directly transferable to my work.

Beyond my degree, the most valuable experiences have been practical ones – working in local government, Parliament, and now in industry. These roles helped me develop stakeholder engagement skills, adaptability, and the confidence to operate in fast-paced, politically sensitive environments. Learning how to translate complex policy into clear messaging for different audiences has been particularly important in my career so far.

What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?

Get as much practical experience as you can alongside your studies. Internships, volunteering, or part-time roles in politics, charities, or communications will give you a real understanding of how the sector works and help you stand out.

It’s also important to stay curious about current affairs and develop your own perspective on key issues. Public affairs is about understanding both policy and people, so building strong communication skills and confidence in engaging with others is just as important as academic knowledge.

Finally, don’t worry about having a perfectly linear career path early on. The sector values a mix of experiences, and each role you take will build skills that are transferable.

What are your plans for the future?

I’m keen to continue developing my career in public affairs, taking on more strategic responsibilities and working on increasingly complex policy issues. I’d like to deepen my expertise in areas such as digital infrastructure and economic growth, while continuing to build strong relationships across government and industry.

In the longer term, I’m interested in taking on leadership roles where I can shape strategy, mentor others, and contribute to meaningful policy outcomes that have a positive impact on society.