How do I find work experience in politics?

I'm a Year 10 student and I've been trying to find work experience for a while, mainly because my school has been putting a lot of pressure on us to find some, but also because I really want to further my education/future career.
I have been quite sure on my decision to go down the politics career path over the past year, and I believe that it's what I want to do when I am older, however I just don't know how to get work experience in the field. Does anyone have any suggestions? Or is anyone in a similar position?
Thanks :smile:

Also, I'm not really sure if this is the right category to post this in, but here goes :smile:

Reply 1

wizkid44

Try emailing your local MPs and people like that

Reply 2

wizkid44

also idk if your area has a local youth council

Reply 3

Hailey629

Springpod has a variety I even applied for some politics last month they usually take place in the half term so maybe you can do one for politics. I completed one for law it was very fun.

Reply 4

Kerzen

Original post by lydiaalicexxw

Also, I'm not really sure if this is the right category to post this in, but here goes :smile:

How long does the work experience have to last for?

You could ask to spend the day with your local MP. Do you know in which constituency you live?

At a more accessible level, you could identify a local councillor and see whether you can spend some time with him/her.

Reply 5

lydiaalicexxw

Original post by wizkid44

Try emailing your local MPs and people like that

Thanks for the response! I'll definitely try that.

Reply 6

lydiaalicexxw

Original post by Hailey629

Springpod has a variety I even applied for some politics last month they usually take place in the half term so maybe you can do one for politics. I completed one for law it was very fun.

Thanks! I think my school actually recommended Springpod, I didn't initially find anything on there but I'll be sure to take another look.

Reply 7

lydiaalicexxw

Original post by Kerzen

5 days! My school has a set week, I think, for it. I'll try those things, thanks for the advice!

Reply 8

lydiaalicexxw

Original post by Kerzen

However, my local MP is conservative and I'm really not into the conservative party so not sure I'd feel very comfortable asking about that.

Reply 9

flaurie

Volunteer Team

Original post by lydiaalicexxw

However, my local MP is conservative and I'm really not into the conservative party so not sure I'd feel very comfortable asking about that.

Yeah but regardless of their political leanings it would be good to see what sort of stuff they get up to. If you’re wanting to go into politics then you’ll come into contact and interact with lots of Conservatives anyway :smile:

Failing that, just generally something within your local council might be a good shout?

Reply 10

lydiaalicexxw

Original post by laurawatt

Failing that, just generally something within your local council might be a good shout?

Yeah, I understand that. I'll look more into that, thanks for the reply :smile:

Reply 11

Blue_Cow

Original post by lydiaalicexxw

However, my local MP is conservative and I'm really not into the conservative party so not sure I'd feel very comfortable asking about that.

If you do get experience, it will be based in their office anyway probably looking at problems/casework from constituents. Boring stuff, common stuff that all MPs regardless of political party need to deal with.

Reply 12

Kerzen

It might be that there are political party organisers for the party which is more to your taste in your area. You could find out who they are and see what they could offer.

Reply 13

Clearing and Applications Advisor

Original post by lydiaalicexxw

5 days! My school has a set week, I think, for it. I'll try those things, thanks for the advice!

Then try a local councillor but also talk to the local council officers to ask for work experience in the council offices themselves (including facilitating council meetings if possible)