What is your degree and how do you feel you can use it in the Civil Service?
I applied to the Summer Internship Programme (SIP) during my final year at City, University of London. I studied Political Economy which made me keen to put my knowledge into practice. During my time on the SIP, I was able to draw on what I had studied whether it was analysing policies, thinking critically about wider impacts or understanding the trade- offs involved in decision making. It was rewarding to see how the skills I had developed at university could be applied into a real-world setting within the Civil Service.
Tell us a bit about yourself outside work.
Outside of my academic and professional interests, I’m proud to be the first in my family to go to university. As the oldest sibling, I’ve always felt a responsibility to set a standard and be a role model. Beyond that, I enjoy keeping a balance between work and personal life whether that’s through reading, travelling and exploring new cultures or spending time with friends and family.
Tell us about a project you’ve worked on in the Summer Internship Programme.
During my internship, I was placed in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) where I had the opportunity to work on the UK taxonomy project. This was a particularly exciting area as it focused on creating a new criteria to define what counts as an environmentally sustainable business. The aim was to encourage greater investment in green businesses and support the UK’s transition to a low carbon economy.
How have the skills and knowledge you have acquired through the Summer Internship Programme helped you shape your future on the Fast Stream?
The internship taught me the foundations of how government works, giving me insight into policy development, decision-making, and the collaborative processes that underpin public service. It allowed me to develop and practise key Civil Service behaviours and skills, such as analytical thinking, effective communication, and teamwork, which I was then able to demonstrate confidently in my Fast Stream assessment centre and placements.
What has been your experience on the Summer Internship Programme in terms of Diversity and Inclusion?
One of the most positive aspects of my internship was experiencing the Civil Service’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. I worked alongside people from a wide range of backgrounds and never felt out of place. The environment was welcoming and supportive, and there were numerous networks to engage with, including race, LGBTQ+, women, and Muslim networks. Being in such an inclusive environment not only made the experience more enjoyable but also reinforced the importance of diversity in driving innovation and effective decision-making in public service.
What advice would you give to someone else considering applying to the Summer Internship Programme?
My advice would be to start early and plan carefully. Don’t be afraid to seek feedback from peers, mentors, or university careers services because it can really help strengthen your application. Time management is crucial, especially if you’re balancing coursework or other commitments, so breaking the application into smaller steps makes it much more manageable. Finally, be authentic: show your genuine interest in public service and the impact you hope to make and let your enthusiasm shine through.