Coming back home and putting the stuff I picked up at Cambridge to use has honestly been really rewarding.
I’m working as the Mayoral Assistant in Middlesbrough, where I grew up, in a council that serves one of the toughest areas in the UK. Before this, I studied Human, Social and Political Sciences (HSPS) at Queens’ College. Cambridge helped me get a clearer picture of political ideas and different viewpoints, but it also gave me practical skills that I now use every day to support my community.
Besides academics, Cambridge really sharpened my communication skills and boosted my confidence to stand my ground when debating with anyone.
The supervisions at Cambridge – those weekly one-on-one sessions with a tutor – were intense but supportive. You’ve got to bring your own ideas and be ready to hold your own in a discussion. Many of these tutors are top experts in their fields, so it was quite an experience. Now, I feel comfortable chatting with pretty much anyone in my job, no matter their role.
Ben Carr on site during his work as Mayoral Assistant in Middlesbrough
Ben Carr on site during his work as Mayoral Assistant in Middlesbrough
I really enjoy being Mayoral Assistant because every day is different and you meet all sorts of people.
One day I could be sitting down with the Chief Executive or senior council leaders; another day I’ll be out meeting locals face-to-face. I also appreciate how much responsibility they give me-whether it’s writing letters to ministers, creating content for communications, drafting social media updates or replying to residents. It makes me proud especially since we’re dealing with some pretty serious problems.
Before uni, I did some work experience at my local MP’s office.
That was quite eye-opening-meeting different diplomats who visited was fascinating and helped me get connected into that world early on. When I was younger, I was part of Youth Parliament too but had other things going on-I used to referee football matches which definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone!
Ben, second from the right, with work colleagues in Middlesbrough for a kickabout
Ben, second from the right, with work colleagues in Middlesbrough for a kickabout
The idea first clicked because my dad’s boss had a son who went to Oxford-and dad told me straight up: ‘You could do that’.
Just having that small connection made me think about it more seriously. The more research I did the more I thought yeah this is something challenging but doable. Coming from a state comprehensive wasn’t always easy though; thankfully there was a sixth form teacher who’d been to Oxbridge himself and helped students apply-which really made things easier because he knew exactly what was needed.
I wanted something covering politics but also economics and sociology-the kind of subjects that interested me beyond just politics alone.
HSPS felt perfect-it offered lots of options within one degree which really drew me in. Sometimes I joke it’s like picking your own adventure story-and honestly that’s how it turned out! Sociology became something special over time while philosophy grabbed me early on-I still use bits from those classes today-but politics and international relations stayed front-and-center too.
Growing up somewhere like Middlesbrough-full of tough challenges-while Cambridge felt worlds apart – made me worry if I’d fit there at all.
And moving so far away added another layer. The cultural difference worried me more than whether I’d manage academically – after all , that’s why I’d applied – but wondering if I’d find people like myself or feel left out did make it seem risky.
With Cambridge friends at Queens’ College
With Cambridge friends at Queens’ College
Getting financial help through the Cambridge Bursary took off some pressure when thinking about living costs.
Money worries were real since family support wasn’t guaranteed , so knowing about bursaries from both university-wide schemes and individual colleges made things feel way more doable over those years.
I arrived at Cambridge feeling totally amazed-it almost seemed like stepping into Great Expectations or some story like that!
All the effort getting there suddenly paid off seeing gorgeous old buildings everywhere plus people buzzing about their passions-it was amazing! Figuring out social stuff took time though-but joining clubs and meeting folks you connect with (and others very different) kept things fun too. Summers along the river by Queens’ were stunning-I spent loads of evenings just watching everything go by thinking ‘wow, I’m gonna miss this’, so tried soaking it all up whenever possible.
You meet some seriously interesting folks here, and plenty opportunities pop up outside studying too.
After catching up with someone at a Union event, I ended doing research for this You Tube star guy-with millions following him. I’d watched his videos forever, we even hung out after chatting at pub. I worked on projects together for around two years!
I threw myself into student politics when not studying, and even gave stand-up comedy a shot too!
With Footlights no less. I never tried anything close before, but figured “I might actually be funny”, next thing you know, I’m performing before fifty laughs. It turned out great, it truly was an experience unlike any other!
I’d tell anyone thinking about applying: don’t doubt yourself, Cambridge can be yours just like anyone else’s place here.’
Try enjoying getting through applications instead stressing so much. And remember, it is an academic institution-not some exclusive club. They want you there. If you know your subject well by interview time, you’ll do fine. Talk about topics online, get comfortable discussing them around others ahead too.’
If lucky enough to get here, start asking questions non-stop, and ask help anytime you need.’
Reach out within college-to students or staff. Everyone struggles sometimes. But know this journey belongs solely to you. Don’t waste time comparing yourself against others.’
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