Tell us a bit about what you’ve been doing in your internship/placement?
I’ve been involved with so many different things! I prepare briefings ahead of debates and meetings, monitor debates and committees in parliament and respond to letters from MPs. As well as supporting the day-to-day running of the public affairs team, I also do ad hoc research projects and help to organise events such as the parliamentary reception and party conference events. I work mainly on the GI side, so dealing with everything from flooding and fire to motor and automated vehicles.
What made you apply for the internship/placement and what was the interview process like?
The opportunity to work at such a well-respected organisation in a role that really appealed to me as it allowed me to put all the political theory in my degree into practice, as well as give me the opportunity to work in the centre of politics. The job requirements were all things I saw in myself, I have a real interest in politics and current affairs which is crucial for this role. I also knew very little about insurance, so the opportunity to learn something new also interested me.
The interview process was one of the best I’ve experienced. The initial interview was with HR and my supervisor, and was really friendly. Beforehand I was given a written task and a question to prepare for, and then the rest of the interview consisted of competency based questions. There was then a more informal chat with the head of public affairs. The whole process was very well-organised, and I was kept informed at every stage of the process.
How would you describe the culture at the ABI? What’s it like to work here?
The ABI is such a friendly place to work, there’s fewer than 100 people, so everyone knows everyone and the nature of the work we do is very collaborative, so it means you get to know everyone very quickly! The ABI has a really good sense of work-life balance, we work very hard, but also know how to have fun. Everyone has a key role to play in the functioning of the ABI, so you are respected and valued.
Describe your team in three words.
Hard-working political junkies
Tell us your favourite moment from your time here so far.
My favourite moment is probably a whole month! October was an incredibly busy month for us in the PA team. The month kicked off with party conferences, there was the ABI parliamentary reception in the middle, we sponsored another parliamentary reception the following week, and then ended the month with three committee appearances in one week! It was very hectic, but it was great to see the whole team work together and so many parliamentarians and stakeholders engaging on issues of importance to the ABI.
What advice would you give to an intern/placement student joining the ABI?
Get involved with everything, this is a great opportunity to get invaluable experience as part of a hard-working team. Show that you are enthusiastic and willing to work hard, and take every opportunity to learn that you can.
Interested in joining the team? Find out more about our current vacancies and apply now!