My Placement at the Welsh Government

My official job title was the Constitutional Policy and Inter-Governmental Relations Officer. My tasks varied but, for example, I provided briefings to the First Minister and senior civil servants on a wide range of legal and constitutional issues such as lobbying laws or the First Minister’s role as Privy Councillor. I also drafted speeches and Q&A lines for Ministers. Further, I shadowed lawyers in the Constitution Team, helped with the preparation of a Supreme Court case and also attended the hearing itself in London. This was, I must admit, one of the most inspiring experiences in my life.

Simply put, those 12 months were a blast – they were challenging at times but I enjoyed it because I learnt so much from it. I gained some invaluable friends and mentors, I also now have an in-depth knowledge of the devolution settlements throughout the UK. I have a firmer grasp of how policy is developed on constitutional, cross-border, and other issues. But also I have come to realise how one’s national identity is important in trying to further a national agenda and bring democracy closer to the people. For this reason, I came to appreciate how hard the Welsh Government has had to work in order to win the hearts and minds of people in Wales. Their determination to do a good job in responding to the social and economic challenges that the people of Wales face is something that we, Czechs, could learn a great deal from.

Whatever it’s worth, I would like to encourage any student thinking about applying for an internship that is appealing to him/her to not hesitate and do it. It is definitely worth it!