After 4 amazing years at IHAV, it is now finally time to take a step back from my role as Regional Lead Ambassador as I prepare to complete my MA in International Relations at Lancaster University
It feels slightly strange to be writing about my own experience after interviewing so many inspiring young people and professionals within the world of politics and public affairs... but here goes nothing!
My first interaction with IHAV was in the summer of 2020. Like many A-Level students that had their exams scrapped due to COVID, I was left with a long (and quite boring) summer spent indoors. On top of this, I was also one of the individuals listed as ‘clinically extremely vulnerable’, which had an immediate impact on my ability to complete my part-time job at WHSmith. Having a chronic illness has never prevented me from achieving my goals and I was determined to explore my career options despite the challenges of remote working.
I always had an interest in politics and secured my offer to study History and International Relations at Lancaster University. However, I lacked work experience, and I was keen to see if there was more to politics than just working as an MP.
Through my college’s careers portal, I saw a week’s virtual work experience listed by IHAV. The work experience was simple: complete your own political campaign whilst learning about public affairs and the role of political lobbying.
Immediately, I was curious to learn more. Even though I believed I was quite politically informed, I was completely unaware of the hidden world of public affairs and lobbying. This is a world obstructed to the view of the public but carries immense importance in shaping the policies that affect all aspects of our democracy.
I was quick to press the ‘apply now’ button and received an email by Rebecca notifying me of my success in applying and dates I needed to be available.
I would never have thought that a week of work experience would redirect my focus to pursue a career in communications and public affairs. I do not think I will ever forget my first ‘win’ leading the Disability Champions campaign. Rebecca and I were surprised by the speed of which my team was able to secure a meeting with the former Minister for Disabled People, Justin Tomlinson and subsequent follow-ups with civil servants within the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP).
I realised that utilising my personal experience, alongside clear and succinct written and verbal communication was essential to successful campaigning. This was my first experience of the world of political lobbying and campaigning, and I have never looked back!
Following my week of work experience, I continued my work with IHAV as one of the first IHAV Youth Ambassadors. I kept in regular contact with the Disability Champions campaign group, learning more about the importance of parliamentary procedure. One particular highlight was submitting written evidence to the Works and Pension’s Committee’s inquiry into the disability employment gap.
Additionally, I participated in regular Ambassador meetings. I met MPs, public affairs professionals and civil servants, building a network of professionals no other state-educated 18-year-old would be exposed to.
Over my first year summer, I used this new network to ask for work experience opportunities. Both GK Strategy and Grayling offered me a week of online experience, accommodating my commitments to my part-time job.
To anyone outside of London wanting to apply for work experience- do not be afraid to ask of you can do your placement remotely! Most companies are now embracing a hybrid model and team members often split their time between the office and home.
Fast forward to November 2022 and I was offered a part-time role as Regional Lead Ambassador. Initially this was for 8 hours a week and allowed me to study for my degree and continue my other part-time job at WHSmith.
My role has provided me with opportunities not usually available to students taking on their first entry-level job.
Within my first year, I was involved in a range of projects and was exposed to the inner workings of a growing social enterprise.
Particular highlights included collaborating with NCS on the delivery of a social action programme, presenting to over 120 young professionals across a 2-day conference. I was also involved in the creation and implementation of the IHAV mentoring scheme which is now in its 4th year.
After gaining experience with these smaller-scale projects, I was tasked with, pitching and organising a social action event. I will never forget Rebecca finishing an initial Teams meeting handing over the project to me.
Project management was an eye-opening experience. I was responsible for a small remote team for the first time in a professional environment. I learnt how to create a budget, carefully calculating costs of fees for artists, catering and stationery. The event was a success, and I could not have achieved such a rewarding day without the amazing IHAV team!
The social action event was a success, and I was ready for my next challenge.
The Politics for All campaign team had just completed their latest survey on the importance of political literacy. My task- analyse the results and identify any trends based on demographics such as age, gender and type of educational institution.
Initially, I was nervous to complete such a data-focused project. Although I had experience in producing policy analysis for my degree, I had little knowledge on spreadsheets. This was one of first times in my role that I was truly unsure on how to complete my task.
However, I knew that I could ask Rebecca for help, and scheduled a brief 10 minute call to run through an example spreadsheet. Throughout my time at IHAV, I have never been afraid to ask for help. For anyone in their first role, if you have never been shown how to complete a task, do not be afraid to ask for help from your colleagues.
After being shown an example by Rebecca, I could now complete a data analysis of 9 survey questions. The report also allowed me to be creative, utilising digital marketing software to ensure the report looked professional and was in line with IHAV branding.
The report was finally complete, and the Politics for All campaign was ready to be launched. Alongside producing the report, I assisted in the organisation of an in-person parliamentary event. I had invited various stakeholders: MPs, corporate partners and the amazing young people within the IHAV network. The invites were sent, and travel arrangements were booked.
But, one week to go and we received some unfortunate news- the Kings Speech had meant Parliament was to prorounged. The event was cancelled and due to be rescheduled for the following February.
In the meantime, I continued with my usual day-to-day responsibilities within IHAV. A key responsibility that I am proud of is the development of the IHAV newsletter. Initially, I had no idea of how to send a mass newsletter to the IHAV network.
Over the course of a few months, the newsletter grew in audience size and increasingly became more professional in presentation. I could now create bold and engaging infographics to advertise upcoming IHAV events and internship opportunities.
The nature of my role meant I could benefit from IHAV’s truly flexible working policy. If I had an impending deadline with university, I could tailor my hours and complete upcoming tasks over weekends or evenings. As my hours with IHAV increased, this was a huge benefit that allowed me to quit my part-time job at WHSmith.
The newsletter was continually improving and soon enough the rescheduled parliamentary event had arrived. I was so excited to visit the Palace of Westminster. The 2-hour train journey down to London was spent practicing my presentation that I would deliver at the campaign launch. Public speaking is a task I thoroughly enjoy.
Walking into the gates of the Palace, I was hit with a huge sense of pride. In just 4 years, I had come from having little idea to what I wanted to do with my interest in politics, to launching a political campaign in front of seasoned professionals within the world of politics and public affairs. I now realised that there was a place for me within the political world and there are many people that are willing to provide opportunities to those wanting to enter the industry.
IHAV’s mission is simple: engage, educate and empower young people to be active citizens. The parliamentary event had enabled over 30 young people, majority of whom who had never visited the Houses of Parliament, to see that they do have a place in our democracy.
I am proud to have met so many inspiring and career-focused young people throughout my time at IHAV. Youth Ambassadors that worked alongside me are now entering roles in comms and public affairs. IHAV is succeeding in its mission to make politics more representative of our society and is only continuing to expand its reach.
A special thank you to my colleagues over the years Elisha, Abi and Fatima. IHAV is a small team and it has been a privilege to celebrate our wins together over the years.
Now as I embark on my next steps post-masters, I am excited about what the future holds and I am confident that once I find my role within the world of politics and communications, I can give back to an organisation that has allowed me to dream big, and not be afraid to be myself to succeed.
To Rebecca, thank you for being a leading example of what a manager should be. You have given me the opportunity to shine brightly and over the course of my 4 years working with IHAV, you have become a trusted mentor and friend.
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