I want to go into politics, but I don't know how to do it

I am absolutely intrigued by politics and I believe I'd be a fantastic MP, but I'm finding it hard to research the best way to become an actual MP. I have an unconditional offer to study law at Bangor University, but will this help me with my career into politics? I know Obama used his law degree to get into politics, but what else will I have to do? Do I have to do an extra degree? Or do I just start from the bottom and work my way up?

Maybe you're right, Obama isn't a good example, but he still made it with his law degree. I want to know how I can do it to, or even if I can do it.

Here's what you do. If you're at either of England's two decent universities, it's actually quite easy to try to break onto the political scene. If you're not, don't bother.

First of all, join CUCA/the oxford equivalent of CUCA. Hobnob with the other people there. They have speakers from the Conservative Party every once in a while and they may or may not take notice of you and put in a good word back at the Party. If they do, count your blessings and thank God. If they don't, no matter, you can still make it.

When you graduate and (possibly) finish your pupillage, check the Internet to look for retiring Labour city councillors/MP's. If you find a space, the Tory Party will be holding a hustings to see if they can field a young, idealistic candidate with his eyes still shining and a heart still beating to replace the outgoing Labour man. Find out where the hustings will be and put yourself forward.

They will interview you and if said CUCA speaker is still alive and puts in a good word, you will be selected. You will lose, most likely---the easier it is to stand in the election, the safer Labour seat it is. The more inexperienced you are, the safer Labour seat they will put you in. After a few rounds of busting your arse to stand for election and losing miserably, the Tory Party will remember you and hopefully invite you to stand for election in a swing seat, one where you have a fighting chance.

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The above was given to me as advice by my H.o.L. cross-bencher uncle. Consequently, I don't take responsibility for the factual accuracy, but it all seems about right to me (I want to do the politics thing too).

That's great advice and I will definitely take it on board, I hope you make it in the politics world. Are you studying at university level? If so what and where are you studying?

Law is a good degree for getting into politics, that I know. I'm no expert about "how" you get into politics exactly but I expect thinking outside of the box will help. Unlike lawyers and doctors, politicians don't go to university to "train" to become politicians. It's more subtle than that. You should try to get some work experience in politics, for example in local council offices, and when you go to university make sure you are "politically active" in joining political societies, getting your name out there and having an opinion.

Read up about the backgrounds of certain politicians and see how they got into politics; that should give you an idea of the diversity of people in politics but also show the common factors which underlie their experience.