Troy Simms

A zest for questions and problem solving cultivated during Troy’s Political Science studies now form the foundation of his career in government.

I enrolled in an undergraduate degree in Political Science and International Relations as a blank canvas, albeit a canvas woven with questions. Why do I vote the way I do? Why do I support particular causes and disapprove of others? Why do states behave in a certain way? And why are my beliefs different to the beliefs of others?  I soon realised that politics runs far deeper than just page two of the Dominion Post.

It is impossible to study politics without drawing on and appreciating everything else it touches upon: economics, psychology, sociology, and history. It is the study of people and of their motivations. I found in transitioning to my career that my study supplied me with far more than just meaningful, politically laced banter around the water cooler—although this has been pretty helpful, too. Trying to grasp diverse motivations and to understand power and the interactions between actors has helped me to analyse and respond to workplace dynamics. Which situations require candour over pragmatism? When should I listen instead of direct?

The passions drawn out of you while exploring historical conflicts and questionable policies has translated in me into a drive to always look for improvements, to find an alternative answer. Tangible skills such as effective writing and critical thinking have helped me to back my own ideas, to make recommendations rather than suggestions, and to take the lead when it is required. Exposure to alternate opinions and contrary sentiments has allowed me to accept the views of others and to test the validity of my own views against these, both within my career as I work toward a solution, or through meaningful discussion with my peers.

I’m lucky in that I worked for my previous employer both before and after my study. I found that the way I approached the role changed significantly in line with how I had changed throughout my study. It gave me a unique perspective on the less tangible changes that come from study in general. I found myself far more driven and ambitious, ready to approach situations in a positive new light. The rewards have followed in kind.

Now, working within a fresh and evolving government agency, I’m able to practically apply some of the thoughts and ideals that developed over my academic career. Nothing is agnostic to politics, but the machinery of government serves the specific purpose to which it is pointed, and I feel it’s important to understand that whatever political pathway leads us to the outcomes we land with, it all ends in people. Irrespective of the platform, the party in power, or the political posturing, are the policies and processes we’re implementing bringing the greatest good to the greatest number of people?

When I signed up to study Political Science and International Relations, I had big questions that I hoped to have answered. At the other end of my degree, I found myself with far more questions and that is probably what I value most. I learned to keep questioning, to keep discussing. Nothing is more important.

Update: Troy is currently Regional Account Manager at Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand in Wellington.