How to Find Politics Work Experience

How to Find Politics Work Experience

Politics isn’t just about Prime Ministers and party debates – it’s about the people, institutions, and ideas shaping how we live. Whether you’re applying for Politics, International Relations, PPE or Law, getting politics work experience can help you stand out, sharpen your skills, and discover what a political career is really like.

This guide will show you where to find opportunities, what to expect, why it matters – and how to apply successfully.

We’ll also discuss Dukes Plus’s own Young International Politics Summer Experience, an incredible programme for aspiring politicians aged 15-18.

Why Politics Work Experience Matters

Getting politics work experience is a game-changer if you’re considering a degree or career in politics, international relations, or related fields. It gives you a taste of the day-to-day reality behind the headlines.

This not only helps confirm whether you enjoy the work, but also strengthens your university application. Admissions tutors love to see genuine commitment: relevant experience shows you’ve gone beyond classroom learning to explore your passion. While work placements aren’t an official requirement for politics or IR degrees, they can help a candidate stand out in personal statements and interviews​.

Crucially, a politics placement also helps you build transferable skills. You’ll develop communication skills (from talking to constituents or writing briefings), analytical thinking (by researching issues and solving problems), and teamwork (by collaborating with staff or volunteers). These skills are valuable for any career – whether you end up in public policy, law, journalism or something entirely different.

Finally, work experience is a fantastic networking opportunity. The connections and mentors you find in an MP’s office or a charity today could become valuable contacts during future job hunts or when seeking references for university.

Our full guide to the benefits of work experience contains more information.

Where to Find Politics Work Experience

When it comes to finding a placement, think creatively and be proactive – politics happens in many places, not just Parliament! Here are some of the main avenues and organisations you can explore for politics-related work experience in the UK:

1. Shadowing Your Local MP

Many MPs welcome students to shadow them in their constituency or in Westminster. This might involve observing meetings, writing correspondence, helping with research, or seeing Parliament in action. You can find your MP’s contact details on the UK Parliament website and email them directly with a short, professional request.

2. Local Government and Councils

Councils often allow sixth form students to shadow councillors or attend meetings. You could get involved in local initiatives, community engagement or policy discussions. Contact your local council or councillor directly and explain your interest.

3. Political Parties

Volunteering with a political party is a great way to gain hands-on experience, especially during election campaigns. You might help canvass, attend events, or manage campaign materials. Youth wings of major parties (e.g. Young Labour, Young Conservatives, Young Liberals) are particularly welcoming to students.

4. Think Tanks and Charities

Think tanks like the Institute for Government or Chatham House, as well as charities working on political or social causes (e.g. Amnesty International, The Trussell Trust), sometimes offer work experience or volunteering. You’ll likely assist with research, outreach or events – all valuable experience for students interested in policy.

5. UK Youth Parliament and Local Youth Councils

If you’re aged 11–18, you can run to become a Member of Youth Parliament (MYP) or take part in your local youth council. You’ll debate issues, propose policies, and even speak in the House of Commons. Even if you’re not elected, you can still support campaigns and attend sessions.

6. Online and Virtual Programmes

If location is a barrier, try virtual work experience. Platforms like Springpod and Speakers for Schools host online programs where you can learn about political careers and even complete projects remotely. For example, Parliament partnered with Springpod to offer a virtual work experience programme that let students explore the role of MPs, the civil service, and political journalism from home

Summary of Key Opportunities

What Will You Do on a Placement?

Once you secure a politics work experience placement, you’re probably wondering: “What will I actually be doing?” The answer will depend on the organisation – an MP’s office, a city council, and a non-profit will each have different activities.

However, you can expect to be involved in a mix of observing, assisting, and learning. In most placements you won’t be given huge responsibilities (don’t expect to rewrite a law at 17!), but you will get to contribute in meaningful ways. Here are some typical tasks and activities Year 12/13 students might experience during a politics work placement:

Shadowing Politicians or Officials

A lot of your time may be spent shadowing – following a politician or staff member through their daily routine. This could mean sitting in on meetings or phone calls, watching how they interact with colleagues and the public, and seeing decisions being made in real time. Shadowing is a great chance to soak up knowledge – pay attention to how these professionals communicate and handle issues, and don’t be afraid to take notes or ask questions afterwards. It’s like being a fly on the wall of the political process.

Attending Meetings and Events

Many students find attending real political meetings one of the most exciting parts of their placement. You could be sitting in on a constituency surgery (where an MP meets locals to discuss problems) or a council committee meeting on education or climate change. If your placement coincides with a big event – say a local election, a political conference, or a public consultation – you might help out there.

Research and Briefing Preparation

Politics involves a lot of research behind the scenes. Don’t be surprised if you’re asked to dig up information or prepare a short briefing. For instance, an MP might have you research an issue one of their constituents raised – you could find relevant facts, statistics or background info from the House of Commons Library and summarize it in a memo. These tasks develop your analytical and writing skills. Plus, it feels rewarding to know your research might contribute (even in a tiny way) to real political work.

Constituent Communication and Casework

In an MP’s constituency office, a big part of the job is dealing with constituents’ issues (called casework). During your placement, you could assist with this. For example, you might help staff log incoming emails or letters from the public, or read through and summarize some of them. If appropriate, you could draft a simple reply or update under supervision.

Campaigning and Public Outreach

If your work experience takes place during an active campaign (for example, in the run-up to an election or a local referendum), expect to get involved in campaign activities. This could be as hands-on as going out with volunteers to knock on doors and speak to voters, or helping to organise campaign leaflets and posters. You might also manage some social media content – drafting a tweet or Facebook post for the candidate, or helping to schedule posts.

Through this, you’ll learn teamwork and persuasion skills, and get a feel for the energy (and pressure) of political campaigning. And if you’re lucky, you might even meet prominent politicians who come to support the campaign – a great story for your personal statement!

Office Administration and Miscellaneous Tasks

Let’s be honest: not every moment of work experience will be glamorous. Like any job, there will be some routine admin tasks in the mix – and as the newest (and youngest) person in the office, you might be asked to help with them. Do these tasks with a positive attitude and efficiency; showing you’re reliable in small things can lead them to trust you with bigger tasks.

Every placement will be a little different, but one constant is that you get out what you put in. Show enthusiasm, be curious, and don’t shy away from opportunities to help. Even small tasks like taking press cuttings or keeping a daily diary of what you’ve seen will enrich your understanding of the political world​.

The Young International Politics Summer Experience

For students wanting a more structured and global experience, Dukes Plus offers the Young International Politics Summer Experience – an immersive 1- to 2-week programme in London designed for students aged 15–18.

You’ll:

• Learn from diplomats, politicians and policy experts
• Role-play as a United Nations delegate or ambassador
• Explore real-world challenges in global politics
• Earn a UCAS-accredited work experience qualification and UCAS points

If you’re passionate about international affairs or looking to explore politics in depth, this is a brilliant way to develop your knowledge, boost your university applications, and meet like-minded students from around the world.

Tips on Applying for Politics Work Experience

1. Write a Strong Email or Letter

Introduce yourself, explain why you’re interested in a placement, mention any relevant studies or activities, and clearly state your availability. Keep it concise and professional – no more than one page.

Example starter:

Dear [MP’s Name],
I am a Year 12 student at [Your School] with a strong interest in politics and public service. I’m writing to enquire about the possibility of a short work experience placement during the summer…

2. Show Your Passion

Even if you have no experience yet, mention anything that shows political engagement – school debate club, volunteering, Model UN, youth council, or simply following current affairs. If you have a particular issue you’re passionate about (say, climate change or social justice), you can mention that as a driving motivation.

3. Use Your Network

Speak to teachers, careers advisers, family or friends – someone may know a councillor, campaigner, or local politician. Schools often have existing links to help with placements. Sometimes MPs hold town hall meetings or local universities host public lectures on political topics – go to these and politely chat with speakers or organisers afterwards.

A friendly conversation and a follow-up email can sometimes yield a placement. The idea of “networking” might sound intimidating, but it’s really just about connecting with people and expressing your interest. Even if most leads don’t pan out, all you need is one person to say “Yes, I know someone who can help you.”

4. Be Proactive and Polite

If you don’t hear back, follow up after a week or so with a brief, friendly message. Don’t be discouraged by silence – persistence shows initiative. However, MPs offices and local councils receive huge numbers of communications and in busy times, work experience applications can get deprioritised. In all likelihood, you will need to send many applications before you get a response.

5. Start Early

Work experience slots – especially in MPs’ offices – fill up quickly. For summer placements, try contacting people in March or April.

In your communications, clearly state the dates (or range of dates) you’re available and if you have any flexibility. Also, be mindful of the political calendar: for example, August is recess for Parliament (MPs may be away) but could be good for constituency work; on the other hand, if there’s a local election in May, a council office might be too busy right before that but could welcome help during the campaign itself.

6. Be Open to Lesser-Known Opportunities

When applying, cast your net wide and be open-minded. The big, famous institutions (Parliament, well-known NGOs, etc.) might have limited spots or high competition. Lesser-known opportunities – like a small local advocacy group, a regional political office, or a community campaign – can be equally rewarding and often easier to arrange.

What If You Can’t Find a Placement?

Don’t worry – relevant experience comes in many forms:

• Volunteer with a local charity or community group
• Take an online course in politics or international relations
• Attend public lectures or debates
• Write your own blog or essay on a political topic
• Join a campaign or youth initiative

All of these show initiative, political interest, and commitment.

For University Students

At university, aim for more formal internships or policy placements:

• MP Internships (check w4mp jobs board): Research, admin, casework
• Government Departments: Civil Service Fast Stream internships (e.g. Summer Diversity Internship)
• Think Tanks and NGOs: Summer or term-time placements in policy or research roles
• Year in Industry: Some politics degrees offer a built-in placement year
• Student societies: Debate teams, political societies, and student unions are great experience too

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, finding politics work experience in Year 12 or Year 13 takes effort and initiative, but it’s incredibly rewarding. Whether you spend a week assisting in your MP’s constituency office, shadow a local councillor for a few days, or volunteer on a campaign, you’ll gain insights that classroom learning can’t replicate.

Remember that every experience – big or small – counts toward your development. You might start with something as simple as a day at a town hall or an online course, and that can open the door to bigger opportunities later.

By stepping out of your comfort zone and into the real political arena, you’ll not only boost your future prospects but also gain a deeper understanding of how you can make a difference. Good luck, and enjoy the journey of discovering politics in the real world!