Worthing College Politics Student's Invaluable Work Experience with Local MP

From writing an email to the Secretary of State for Health, to filming social media content, a Worthing College student has taken part in an invaluable work experience placement with a local MP. 

Katie Boothby, who studies A-level Politics, Film Studies and History, spent two days at the constituency office of Worthing West MP, Dr Beccy Cooper, gaining first-hand experience, building new skills, and bringing her studies to life beyond the classroom. 

The first day of work experience involved reviewing constituency emails received by the office and helping to draft responses. During this time, Katie was able to write emails to important political figures such as the  former Secretary of State for Health, Wes Streeting. 

On the second day, Katie had the opportunity to meet Dr Cooper and accompany her to several meetings across the constituency. 

Katie also attended a tour of Worthing Library, where she filmed promotional content for Dr Cooper’s social media and sat in on a meeting with a company seeking to provide additional emergency accommodation in Worthing West. Following the visit to the library, she drafted an official parliament letter thanking the staff for hosting them. 

Katie, who will spend another day in Westminster, says her passion for politics has grown stronger through studying A-level Politics.  

She said: “Next year, I am hoping to pursue a degree in Politics, and this work experience has been particularly valuable in enabling me to develop connections that may benefit my future career.  

“I am especially interested in international relations and foreign affairs. After discussing these interests with members of the constituency team, they kindly offered to introduce me to professionals working in these areas. For example, a former politician who worked with the United Nations.  

“Having these opportunities through the work placement has made me more excited for my future career prospects.” 

Katie is hoping to study Politics and International Relations at a London university such as LSE. She is particularly interested in foreign politics and global affairs, with a view to a career in diplomacy or the United Nations.  

Matt Crawley, subject leader in politics at Worthing College, said: “It is invaluable experience for our politics students to spend time on work placements such as with a local MP.  

“It is a great opportunity to gain first-hand experience of the day-to-day work of politicians, build new skills, and bring studies to life beyond the classroom. We are most grateful to Dr Cooper and her staff for providing the work experience opportunity for Katie.” 

Dr Cooper, MP, said: “It was an absolute pleasure to host Katie in my office for a work placement and to gain experience of working in a parliamentary office. Katie was hard working and a real asset to the team and I had great feedback from my team about her positive attitude, enthusiasm and hard work.

“Work placements like this are so important in giving young people the opportunity to gain real experience, build confidence and develop skills needed for the future. I wish Katie every success in her future career.” 

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