Sebastian Clark

Current Employer/Organisation Name

HM Treasury

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

I completed a Master’s Degree at the College of Europe in Bruges and then spent a few years working in Brussels at the European Commission and the legal sector. – I joined HM Treasury, advising on transport tax policy and then on customs policy as part of EU exit preparations and negotiations. – I worked at the British High Commission (Embassy) in New Delhi as the Deputy Head of Trade Policy. – I am now back at HM Treasury where I act as a negotiation lead for the financial services elements of various future Free Trade Agreements.

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

Distilling complex information into clear, compelling and concise notes that include a reasoned position. – Creating and delivering short presentations. – Debating a difficult subject as part of a small seminar group. – Living and studying abroad in a different system.

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

Focus on gaining experiences that demonstrate that you have the right kind of skills and behaviours for the role that you’re applying for. Content knowledge that you’ve gained in your degree is useful but only part of the picture.