Political Internships

What do politics interns actually do?

As a politics intern, you’ll spend your time working for a government agency or political party. Internships usually take place during the summer months whilst you’re at university and last between four weeks and six months (some lasting even longer).

No two days are the same when you’re working in politics. Your responsibilities depend on your role and the department you’re based in, but politics internships give you real-life experience and skills that employers are looking for. Here’s what you could be doing:

• Researching and analysis. You’ll dive into policy documents, analyse policies and track political developments

• Working with the public. You could speak with constituents to find out about issues that affect their communities, conducting surveys and taking on feedback

• Content creation. This can include anything from writing press releases, drafting speeches or creating social media campaigns

• Event planning. You could get involved with organising political events like conferences, question times and in-person campaign rallies

• Admin. You’ll help manage correspondence, tidying up databases, prep documents and keep things running smoothly.

What skills do I need?

Working in politics can be demanding. So you’ll need a strong and well-rounded skill set to smash your role. These include:

• A strong understanding of political systems and parties

• Awareness of political issues, both in the UK and overseas

• Public speaking and debating

• Ability to deal with stressful situations

• Highly organised with a flair for multitasking.

Types of politics internships

You might think that all political interns are stuck in an office all day, but the types of internships you can do are pretty diverse. Here’s what’s out there:

• Think Tank Research Intern. You’ll deep dive into research, write reports and briefing papers on policy to help shape public political opinion. You’ll also help to organise events, talk with policy experts and contribute to publications.

• Civil Service Intern. You’ll help write and implement government policy and essential public services. You could work with the Department for Health, the Department for Defence, the Department for Science and more.

• Campaign Intern. You’ll help political parties get the word out there. Some of your tasks could include phoning constituents or party members, creating social media content, managing volunteers and tracking campaign results.

• Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCDO) Intern. You’ll work with the British embassy to promote the country’s interests in overseas markets. You’ll also help to arrange high-level meetings, travel arrangements and accommodation for diplomatic guests.

Here’s what one Government and Public Affairs intern got up to at Visa:

We were focused on developing Visa's position on key policy issues facing the digital payments sector and engaging directly with policymakers. We were also responsible for establishing Visa as a thought leader on key issues, maintaining critical external relationships and proactively aligning business initiatives with policy trends and public policy objectives. Government and Public Affairs intern

Can you intern for an MP?

Yes, absolutely! Everyone starts somewhere, and shadowing an MP is a great way to understand the day-to-day responsibilities.

What you’ll do as an MP intern

You’ll be based at the MP’s constituency office, carrying out administrative tasks like filing, answering emails from people in your community and working on spreadsheets. But it’s not all admin work. You could have hands-on responsibilities, too:

• Analysing media coverage to understand people’s concerns, things like housing and the cost of living

• Assisting at local events and community meetings

• Going on the campaign trail during elections

• Drafting letters and briefing documents

• Attending constituency surgeries.

The most important role of an MP is to win constituents’ votes in elections. So you’ll become a brand ambassador: increasing public trust and confidence in your MP.

How to find MP internships

Want to intern for your local MP? Go ahead and send them your application directly. You can find contact details for all MPs on the Parliament website. It doesn’t have to be your local MP either.

Before you apply, research their recent work, campaigns, policy interests and how they vote. Show them you understand what they stand for and why you want to work with them. Some MP offices might not take on work experience applications.

How much do politics interns earn?

Politics internship salaries vary massively. It all depends on your employer, the type of internship you’re doing and the city you’re based in.

On average, you could earn between £22,000 and £28,000 pro rata. Some internships might pay more. For example, the Institute for Government pay £29,000 per year for their internships.

How do I apply for politics internships?

Companies start looking for interns in September, with the most popular schemes filling up quickly. You’ll need to tailor your CV and cover letter for each role you apply for. Then you’ll fill in an online application form. You’ll probably complete psychometric tests during the recruitment process. 

Want to make an impression? Here’s how you can stand out:

• You're passionate. Let them know why you want to intern for them specifically. Maybe you feel connected to their mission and policies and want to make a difference in a particular area. In which case, voice it. Talk about causes that are close to your heart and how you intend to bring about change

• Work experience examples. If you stood at a student election and were voted president of a club or society at your university, mention it on your CV. Employers love candidates who go the extra mile, as it shows proactivity and leadership, which is what politics is all about.

• Knowledgeable. Maybe you’ve written an opinion piece recently for an online paper, or run a politics-based blog or vlog sharing your political views. Keeping up with current news shows your passion, showing employers that you’re serious. 

Politics internships are hugely rewarding. You'll meet people from all walks of life, have a say in issues affecting your community and the country and propose solutions that could change the lives of millions.