William Haslam

Current Employer/Organisation Name

Metropolitan Police Service

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

Since leaving University, I worked in Parliament for six years for various Conservative MPs, before moving into Public Affairs for the British Pharmaceutical Industry. After returning to politics for six months last year, I joined the Metropolitan Police Service in October 2024, working in their External Relations team. This is focused on managing the political relationships the Met holds across London, the UK and internationally. Alongside my professional career, I also sit as a Justice of Peace in West London, formerly practicing criminal law, before moving into family law.

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

I chose to go into politics (and other related fields) because of the opportunity to make a difference and have an impact, whether this be for a cause you care about or helping an individual. What do I enjoy most about my current role – joining the police was almost an accident rather than by design. However, the role I do now, is probably the most challenging and rewarding opportunity I have undertaken in my career so far. A real chance to deliver an impact on a range of matters and a chance to specialise in policy areas. For example, I lead on mobile phone theft, working with officers and our other teams to promote our biggest operational efforts, lobby for change and deliver a lasting impact.

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

I was part of the Politics Society, History Society and Conservative Future Society.

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

Diverse modules, challenging and interesting. Biggest highlight has to be studying Thatcherism as part of a third year history module.

What did you most enjoy about studying here?

I studied at the Cornwall Campus, so can only speak to my experiences there, but I loved the teaching staff, the community feel and being from a coastal city originally – the beaches!

Why did you choose to study at Exeter?

One, because it was far away from home, and two, because the modules on offer as part of my degree were really appealing.

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

My degree has certainly helped – working in politics alone meant I actually had to apply it. More broadly, I think having to think critically has probably been the biggest benefit I got from my degree – being prepared to challenge and ask question, not to just assume.

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

Get involved in a local political party or campaigning for a cause you really care about.

What are your plans for the future?

Not entirely sure – my feet have only just landed in the Met and I would like to stay there for sometime.