When you’re studying just a mile from Westminster you really do have a front row seat to politics. Our students give us the inside story from their internships in the UK Parliament.
“A real ‘pinch-me’ moment”
The first time I set foot in Westminster Palace was on a school trip, aged 10. The second time was immediately after receiving my security pass for the parliamentary estate, aged 22. In those 12 years, a lot has changed in British Politics, but as a self-confessed political nerd, the ability to roam freely around (most of) the Parliamentary estate has been a real ‘pinch-me’ moment.
Aside from the sightseeing, I’ve seen what life is like as a parliamentary staffer. Working in the office of Gregor Poynton, MP for Livingston constituency, I have been responsible for drafting policy responses to constituency casework, writing speeches, and creating briefings on topical issues. Seeing the work I’ve done materialise in the real world has definitely been the most rewarding element of the internship.
I am very grateful to Gregor for allowing me to work on a wide range of tasks and for his patience in answering my many questions about parliamentary procedures. I have also benefitted greatly from working closely with Gregor’s senior parliamentary researcher – Calum – who has been vital in showing me the ropes and introducing me to other Labour staffers. Additionally, I appreciate the Parliamentary Labour Party for being so welcoming to me as a parliamentary intern, allowing me to attend various networking events and training sessions.
I would urge any future MSc or PhD students to take up the opportunity and apply for an LSE Parliamentary Internship in the future, not least for the ability to be immersed in a nurturing political community. I may be a little biased, but I can’t think of a more rewarding internship experience than with Gregor and his team.
Alex Millar is studying for his MSc in Political Science in the Department of Government at the London School of Economics. After graduation, he hopes to pursue a career in political communications.
“Bridging the gap between academic theory and real-world politics”
My interest in politics developed during my undergraduate studies, where I was drawn to the complex interplay between government decisions and societal outcomes. Early on, I became fascinated by how policy shapes everyday life, particularly in areas like welfare, education, and social justice. I found myself increasingly engaged in political debates and sought out opportunities to explore these issues further, both through academic coursework and extracurricular activities.
This growing interest led me to apply for the Parliamentary internship, as I wanted to gain hands-on experience and deepen my understanding of the policymaking process. I was particularly eager to work with a team focused on both national and constituency-level issues, as I felt this would provide me with a well-rounded perspective on governance and the challenges faced by policymakers in crafting effective and inclusive policies.
During my internship, I have had the opportunity to engage in a diverse range of political and policy-related tasks that have deepened my understanding of both national and constituency-level governance. A key highlight has been drafting statements and policy briefings, which requires translating complex policy issues into clear, accessible language for different audiences. This process has sharpened my ability to synthesise information quickly and strategically frame key messages.
I have also expanded my knowledge of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), particularly in relation to welfare policy and its real-world implications. Engaging with DWP-related issues has reinforced the critical intersection between policy design and its implementation, as well as the challenges policymakers face in balancing competing priorities.
Beyond policy work, the internship has exposed me to both national and constituency-level campaigns. I have seen firsthand how grassroots engagement operates in tandem with national political strategies, shaping public discourse and influencing decision-making. Working on these campaigns has strengthened my appreciation for the role of public engagement in democracy, from mobilising local communities to advocating for policy changes at the national level.
Overall, this experience has been invaluable in bridging the gap between academic theory and real-world politics. It has not only refined my research and communication skills but also provided me with a practical understanding of governance, policymaking, and political strategy—insights that will undoubtedly shape my future career path.
Rodrigo Merlo is a British Italian Master’s student in Public Policy at LSE, currently interning in Parliament.
