There are few places better suited to an internship in politics than Westminster. My morning walk across Westminster Bridge, past the crowds of tourists outside Parliament and on to the office just around the corner, makes it difficult to forget that much of what I’m researching and reading about is happening right on the doorstep
I have joined College Green Group (CGG), after spending the past few years studying Politics and International Security at the University of Warwick and Journalism at Monash University in Australia. I was keen to see what working in and around politics looks like in practice.
One thing I’ve discovered is that there isn’t really a standard day. One morning might begin with geopolitical research; by the afternoon I could be looking into a parliamentary issue or helping with campaign communications. This variety has been one of my favourite parts of the internship.
The morning usually starts by getting up to speed on the projects I’m helping with. Much of the international affairs work has involved researching political developments, diplomatic relationships and the wider context behind decisions made by governments. Having studied international security, much of this is familiar territory, but approaching it from a consultancy perspective is quite different.
At university, you’re often encouraged to explore an argument in considerable depth. Here, the challenge is just as much about identifying what matters, understanding its implications and communicating it clearly to the people who need that information.
After spending a good part of this year on a 15,000-word dissertation, the emphasis on brevity has certainly been a welcome change!
Something else I’ve really appreciated is the atmosphere in the office. It’s a busy environment, as you’d expect, but there’s also a relaxed, sociable side to it, with plenty of conversation and humour throughout the day. Lunch might involve talking about what’s happening in Westminster, although The Traitors has attracted just as much discussion.
Perhaps most importantly, I’ve been included from the outset. Rather than feeling like an intern observing from the sidelines, I’ve been included in the work, conversations, as well as the social side of things. It’s made the experience particularly enjoyable and helped me feel like part of the team.
By the afternoon, the focus of my work might have shifted entirely. I’ve had the opportunity to research MPs and peers, examine parliamentary and constituency issues, and contribute to campaign communications on subjects ranging from infrastructure and investment to employment and skills.
While political research has naturally appealed to me given my academic background, I’ve found the practical campaigning side of the work equally rewarding. Being able to contribute to projects and see my research and ideas genuinely valued and put to use has been one of the most satisfying aspects of the experience.
I’ve also seen how quickly political developments can change the direction of a project. Even after considerable work has gone into a campaign, from research to producing copy and graphics, a shift in the political landscape can mean adapting on approach or rethinking entirely. It’s been a useful demonstration that this industry is as much about timing, adaptability and judgement as it is about the work itself. Politics rarely follows a convenient project timetable.
By the time I leave the office and head back across Westminster Bridge, I’m often reflecting on how varied the day has been. The combination of interesting work, a supportive team and the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution that has made this experience so rewarding. With no two days quite the same, I’m looking forward to the rest of my internship and would highly recommend the programme to anyone interested in experiencing the cut and thrust of Westminster politics first-hand.
