This article is written by Sean Peacock, PhD researcher at Newcastle University and former Policy Intern at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

Honesty is the best policy, so I’ll be honest. When I pulled into London Victoria station on my first day working in Westminster, the hub of Her Majesty's Civil Service, I was nervous.

Would I fit in? Was I good enough? What would they think of me?

Back in January of this year, I began a 3-month internship in the Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport. My application had succeeded through UK Research and Innovation's Policy Internship Scheme, which places PhD students in roles across the Civil Service. Conducting action research with youth groups and schools in North East of England, this was a unique opportunity to apply my PhD research to central government policy.

I was excited to be working in central government at this early stage of my career, though I had some deep-seated apprehensions, none of which were helped by my self-prescribed training of watching the satirical British TV series The Thick of It. Junior researchers don't receive the warmest welcome to the civil service on the show, and I almost expected Malcolm Tucker (the show's nemesis) to barge into our office at any moment.

Yet, these fears were quickly swept away. On my first day, I was escorted to a large, bright, open plan office, and was set to work analysing policy. Throughout my placement, my colleagues encouraged me to share my ideas, explore possibilities and pursue my own interests. I settled into my team quicker I had expected.

While I was there, I became an active part of the Government Social Research (GSR) community. This talented, multi-disciplinary group of people create valuable evidence to inform policy. They provided me with a lot of inspiration and by supporting their work, I saw that there was in fact a place for researchers like me in the civil service.

Being proactive was key to getting the most out of my internship. I sat in on lots of meetings, got involved in different workstreams and met Civil Servants from across Whitehall. Even when I felt way out of my depth, I still found it valuable to learn the mechanics of this age-old institution. As a political geek, having meetings in the Churchill Room – featuring the balcony where the former PM gave his VE Day speech – was a real highlight.

I wasn’t surprised to find my previous experience in academia challenged. Academics are infamous for writing about complicated things in often complicated ways. When I was tasked with preparing my own research briefing, I knew this approach just wouldn’t do. I found that keeping it brief, using simple language, and having the confidence to write with authority would be the best approach.

Above all, I gained a lot of respect for civil servants. They fight hard for time-poor ministers to read their work. They follow carefully crafted briefings through multiple stages of approval to ensure that their suggestions will "land". I found parallels here with academia, where often as a junior researcher you work tirelessly to get people to read your latest paper, or even recognise your existence.

Even when I felt way out of my depth, I still found it valuable to learn the mechanics of this age-old institution

I worked in Westminster for two months, then Covid-19 changed everything. I was lucky enough to be able to return home just before lockdown began, though I faced the prospect of completing my internship from my bedroom. Like many of us, I found adjusting to remote working a real challenge, but my team made pains to ensure everyone stayed connected. Colleagues arranged newsletters, coffee breaks and even virtual guitar renditions. I can’t speak for other teams, but we certainly made the best of a bad situation.

The time soon came when the department’s work shifted entirely to Covid-19 response, and I was forced to press pause on my internship. Several months of lockdown passed and, thankfully, I was able to resume it and present my research to the department in July, albeit virtually.

I was pleased that they were so receptive to my findings, and that they encouraged me to be bold with my recommendations. I was reviewing the effectiveness of digital engagement initiatives at the same time as our department was launching a new digital tool to engage young people. Even though I thought this could have been quite controversial, they welcomed my recommendations for how the department could get the most out of using this tool, and develop policies that support the use of tech. Above all, I left feeling like my research might make a difference – as much as I could have hoped to achieve on my very first day.

I admit that I got my first impressions wrong. The civil service has provided me with an excellent platform as a junior researcher, and I’m leaving with memories of an organisation that promotes innovation and diversity. Perhaps they’d have me back once I’ve finished my PhD. Let’s see about that. — Sean Peacock

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