Working in politics places you at the heart of government affairs, with politicians holding the most senior positions. A politician, also known as a member of parliament, works to change government policies, adjust legislation and balance political party goals with the needs of their constituents. It takes a unique blend of skills to perform well in this role, as you deal with the general public, work in a highly volatile environment and act as a figurehead for an entire community and political party. In this article, we explain what a politician is, how to become a politician and what their key skills are.