Our Department of Politics, International Relations and Philosophy offers initiatives to help you prepare for your chosen career. Chloe talks about some of the opportunities that are helping to shape her future
“I currently study Politics and International Relations. It wasn’t until my placement at the House of Commons I realised how my course is preparing me for the next steps. University and politics share similarities; they are both fast-paced environments, every week is different, every day is different.
In the summer, I interned for one week at the House of Commons, in their Select Committee team. I say at the House of Commons; because of the pandemic the placement took place in my living room(!) I’ve always been interested in the mechanisms of Parliament as an institution and was placed in the Chamber team focusing on the day-to-day parliamentary business in the House of Commons. I got to learn more about Parliament’s role in scrutinising the Government and got to meet MPs and senior staff at the Commons. Doing the internship really helped improve my team working skills as I co-authored a blog on the historical nature of Parliament’s buildings and created and presented a talk on the methods used to scrutinise Government.
Even though it was done remotely, I enjoyed my work experience immensely and was inspired to sign up for the third year Politics in Action module. The opportunity to apply for a placement in a Member of Parliament’s office was there so I thought I’d give it a go and succeeded. The role is so varied, one
minute I could be drafting parliamentary questions and next, even though it was done remotely, sitting in meetings with stakeholders. Much of my work also focuses on research, something which I have grown to love over the course of my degree.
My first tip for someone wanting to get relevant experience would be to just go for the opportunities that come your way. If I hadn’t applied for my summer placement, I wouldn't have been able to intern in Parliament today. Secondly, never underestimate how your current experiences that may not seem ‘political’ can help you towards a career in politics. At university, we’re grappling with new
topics every week, conducting research for essays, writing those essays – all these things create transferable skills that are like the responsibilities in political jobs. Thirdly, try and get some experience in research if you can.”
Chloe, BA Politics and International Relations
Please note that Chloe did her internship during Covid and this article was published in Spring 2022
