A bit scared of his course mates all cracking on with jobs and internships, Neil realised that it was time to look for one. And, guess what, he got an amazing one at the Parliament!
He says that it is very systematic, but you really don’t want to miss out on the story of his encounter with Labour leader Ed Miliband…
Name: Neil Ross
Major & Year of Study: BSc International Politics, 2nd Year
Country of origin: UK (Scotland)
Relationship status: Single
First of all, how did you get your job at the parliament? It was actually through the university. I had that mid-second year panic attack that we all get when I realised that all my other course mates were applying for internships and making summer plans beyond where to go on holiday. So in my mad panic I went around my subject tutors and asked them about where to apply for good internships; most of them gave me a huge pile of web addresses to lots of different companies that offered summer work placements. Thankfully before wading into a pile of application forms about 10 feet high I visited one more of my tutors. By chance she knew through one of her friends that there was a part-time opening in an office in Parliament. She said she would pass on a CV and cover letter if I was interested. I was, so I sent them off ASAP, and after two short interviews at Portcullis House I had a part time job in Westminster.
What’s your typical day like? A typical day is me sitting in the office, writing reply’s to emails and letters that my boss receives form his constituents, as well as doing a little research for any of his parliamentary business. However these typical days can be interrupted by anything that happens in Parliament. Sometimes that’s doing extra research for stuff like the Chancellors Budget or the Queens Speech, going with my boss to television interviews and debates or doing profiles on politicians from other countries that he might have meetings with. So whilst the job is quite regular, you kind of have to be prepared for any situation that might come up.
Tell me an anecdote about something unexpected that happened there! I once almost spilled coffee over Ed Miliband! On my way back from doing a coffee run I went through a one way door the wrong direction and nearly ran directly into Ed Miliband. Luckily I reacted fairly quickly and sort of dodged him as he came past. I still spilled coffee all over myself, but better on me than on the leader of the opposition.
How will this job benefit your third-year studies? My job has improved my researching and writing skills. I’m always writing on so many different political topics that my abilities to quickly take in information and produce an informed response are improving. I hope that will reflect on my third year essays. Although often what I write on isn’t particularly glamorous, it’s not quite all trident missiles and whether we leave the EU or not. However, if I have an exam on how the new pension rules work, or on how to find out if your farm is getting agricultural subsidies, then I’m all set!
Apart from working, what’s your favourite activity in the city? I quite like going to the theatre if I have the money and the time, as well as just hanging out with friends and visiting the touristy parts of London every now and then.
Summer is approaching. Do you have any particular plans? Well, I will be working in Parliament over the summer, but as I only work for half the week I’m looking for something else to occupy my time. At the moment I’m thinking about doing some volunteering in the local area, but I haven’t decided yet.