Studying politics in the UK can open doors to a variety of exciting placement opportunities that offer hands-on experience in the field. These placements can help you apply theoretical knowledge, gain practical skills, and build a professional network. Here are some common sectors and organizations where politics students in the UK might find placements:
Government and Public Sector
- UK Parliament: Many universities offer the opportunity for students to intern with a Member of Parliament (MP) or in a parliamentary office. This could involve tasks like research, writing briefs, attending debates, and assisting with constituency work.
- Local Government: Working in local councils and government offices can provide experience in policy-making, community engagement, and public administration at the grassroots level.
- Civil Service: The UK Civil Service offers various internship programs like the Civil Service Fast Stream Internship or the Summer Diversity Internship Programme, which are great for gaining insight into how government departments function.
Political Parties
- Political Party Offices: Placements with major political parties like the Conservative Party, Labour Party, Liberal Democrats, Green Party, or SNP are possible. Roles might involve assisting in campaign strategy, communications, voter outreach, and event coordination.
- Campaign Teams: During election periods, parties often seek volunteers and interns to help with campaign activities like canvassing, data analysis, and social media management.
Think Tanks and Research Institutes
- Think Tanks: Organizations like Chatham House, The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), Policy Exchange, Demos, and the Fabian Society offer placements for students interested in policy analysis, research, and public affairs.
- Research Institutes: Institutions like the Institute for Government, Centre for European Reform (CER), or the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) provide opportunities to engage in research on political and economic issues, contributing to policy recommendations and reports.
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Charities
- Human Rights and Advocacy Groups: Organizations like Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and Liberty often offer internships and placements for students passionate about social justice, human rights, and advocacy.
- Development and Environmental NGOs: Placements with groups such as Oxfam, Save the Children, Greenpeace, and Friends of the Earth allow students to work on projects related to global development, sustainability, and environmental policy.
International Organizations
- United Nations (UN) Offices: While placements with the UN are highly competitive, students may find opportunities in UK-based offices or through UN-affiliated organizations.
- European Union Institutions: The EU offers a variety of traineeships in its institutions, such as the European Parliament, European Commission, and EU Delegations. Though these placements often require some prior knowledge of EU politics, they are a great way to gain international experience.
Media and Communications
- Political Journalism: Interning with media organizations like BBC, The Guardian, The Times, or political publications such as The Spectator or New Statesman can provide valuable experience in political reporting, analysis, and communications.
- PR and Public Affairs Firms: Companies that specialize in public relations, lobbying, and political consultancy, like Grayling, Portland Communications, and Hanover Communications, offer placements that focus on political strategy, media relations, and corporate communications.
Law Firms and Legal Advocacy
- Law Firms Specializing in Public Law: If you’re interested in the intersection of law and politics, working with firms that focus on public law, human rights, or judicial review cases can be valuable. Firms like Bindman’s LLP and Leigh Day often engage with politically charged legal matters.
- Legal Advocacy Groups: Organizations such as JUSTICE or Liberty focus on the protection of civil liberties and human rights, providing insight into how law and politics intersect.
International Relations and Diplomatic Placements
- Embassies and High Commissions: Students may find placements with foreign embassies or UK diplomatic missions. These roles can involve assisting in research, event coordination, or liaising with diplomatic staff.
- Foreign Policy Institutes: Institutions like the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) or the Centre for European Reform focus on international relations, defence policy, and foreign affairs.
Business and Corporate Sector
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Departments: Many large corporations have CSR departments that focus on sustainability, ethics, and engagement with political stakeholders.
- Regulatory Affairs and Compliance: Companies in sectors like finance, pharmaceuticals, and tech often have roles related to political and regulatory analysis, helping them navigate changing policies and regulations.
University-Organized Placements
- Political Placements Modules: Some universities offer placement modules as part of their politics or international relations degrees, where students can gain credits by working with relevant organizations. These placements are often facilitated by the university’s careers service or department.
- Partnerships and Sponsored Programs: Some institutions have partnerships with specific organizations (e.g., think tanks, MPs’ offices) that allow students to gain experience through structured placements.
How to Find a Placement
- University Career Services: Many universities have dedicated career services that can help you find placements, provide advice on applications, and connect you with alumni working in relevant fields.
- Networking and Social Media: Platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter are useful for networking with professionals in politics and finding internship opportunities. Following organizations of interest can keep you updated on vacancies.
- Professional Associations: Membership in associations like the Political Studies Association (PSA) or the UK Public Affairs Council (UKPAC) can provide access to job boards, networking events, and industry contacts.],