A summer of opportunities for Christian
AN INVITATION to 10 Downing Street to spend time with the Prime Minister’s team was certainly a highlight in a summer of opportunities, admits Christian Hood-Boyce.
Following a highly competitive process, the former Loughborough College public services student secured a position working in Westminster with the Cabinet Office.
“Around 10,000 people applied for internships and I was one of a handful who were given the chance to work with the Government Digital Service.
“During that time I was also selected go to number ten and to meet Boris Johnson’s speech writers and members of his international and research teams who, amongst other things, prepare him for Prime Minister’s Questions in Parliament and for visits from heads of state. It was so fascinating to hear first hand from the PM’s staff – and of course incredibly interesting to be inside his residence.
“That was definitely one of the most memorable experiences but the nine weeks I spent with the Digital Service gave me a great insight into their work. I supported the User Centred Design team, from conceptualisation to testing prototypes, for the courses they run for public bodies as well as for in house technicians, including in ministries such as the Ministry of Defence.
“I got to attend many of the courses themselves and I was also asked to compile a full report containing feedback as well short and long term proposals for the courses, which I had to present. In addition, I acted as mentor to one of four young people as part of the digital profession work experience programme. So I certainly wasn’t there to make the coffee!
“I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Loughborough College and learnt so much from studying on the public services course - team work, independence, ingenuity and focus and that you get out what you put in.”