The Notebook (Just, Less Romantic) · Get Into Elite Careers

The Notebook (Just, Less Romantic)

I work in Parliament. For those who know, means that there are at least three times a day where I have absolutely no idea what I’m doing. Fun right? Not really, and it has the potential to be really embarrassing at times. Nevertheless, I carry with me a revolutionary piece of technology that carries me through these daily occurrences and allows me to save face and curb the embarrassment. Behold, the notebook.

I’m serious. Whilst being one of the greatest cinematic masterpieces to come out of the UK (behind Paddington 2, of course), Hot Fuzz’s celebration of the humble notebook is not unfounded. It has truly saved my life more times than I’d like to admit. Whether it’s helping me remember long-winded titles, amendments, or just who’s turn it is to buy milk, the notebook has seen me through, and will continue to do so.

When I first walked through Westminster Hall and into my long-coveted internship in the House of Lords, I carried a mini, Portcullis-decorated notebook in my bag. At the time, I had no idea if it would become a treasure trove of insights about constitutional quirks and the daily rhythms of a Baroness—or if it would join the silent graveyard of redundant notebooks on my desk. Spoiler alert: it became the former.

By the end of my time in the House of Lords, my notebook was bursting with notes—not just on constitutional oddities, but on every productive discussion and fascinating encounter I’d had. It wasn’t just about documenting what happened. It was about reflecting on those moments, maximizing learning opportunities, and creating a roadmap of people I wanted to meet and learn from. In fact, that same notebook was so invaluable that it became my guidebook during my subsequent internship in the House of Commons. The lessons I’d captured helped deepen my understanding of parliamentary procedure and the United Kingdom’s constitutional framework, enabling me to hit the ground running.

Here’s the thing about "career snowballing": it’s all about drawing on past experiences, leveraging lessons learned, and applying them to bigger, better opportunities. This approach not only boosts your productivity (shout-out to all my deliverology fans) but also sets you up for success in whatever career path you’re pursuing.

So, take note (literally).

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