About Centreforum

After graduation I was anxious to supplement my theoretical knowledge of policy making with some more practical insight; CentreForum proved to be the ideal environment in which to do this. In addition to helping to organize a range of seminars and events I was able to work on a series of research projects including; parental choice in education, migration and demographics, and using market mechanisms to achieve environmental goals.

This helped consolidate the research experience I took from university and is of great use in my current role as a Research Assistant for Lansons Public Affairs. The proximity of CentreForum to Westminster is a considerable advantage as it serves as an ideal base from which to observe Parliament. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with CentreForum, the highlight of which was going to Downing Street, albeit only as far as the front door!

The chance to work in a small team of bright and approachable individuals was as enjoyable as it was beneficial to my CV.

My internship with CentreForum helped me gain a clearer picture of what I wanted to do with my career, and gave me greater confidence in my research skills in a relaxed (but hard working!) environment.

I applied to work at CentreForum as part of my post-university attempts at discovering where I wanted a career to take me. Of these it was by far the most active and interesting, offering chances to get involved in the heart of public policy work. I provided research on two major projects, as well as many smaller pieces; got involved in organising events including at Bloomberg in the City and the Houses of Parliament; and was able to put all my university-acquired skills into practice - proving that they actually were useful!

Staging events had the added benefit of meeting influential people and developing my networking skills. Working in Westminster meant that I could attend Select Committee meetings in Parliament and other think tank events.

Among the benefits for me was being able to put my research skills to use on projects that will make a difference and have an impact in the 'corridors of power'. Working with such clever yet approachable people really helped me develop confidence in my research abilities, and has given me a solid base from which to further my career.

As a recent graduate, I was unsure in what direction I wanted to pursue my career although I knew I wanted it to be something to do with the public sector or public policy, so I applied to CentreForum as a 'stepping stone' into this area.

I was incredibly impressed at the scope of CentreForum's research and events and was lucky enough to help with the fringe events at the 2007 Liberal Democrat Party Conference in Brighton. Not only did we get the chance to have fish and chips by the seaside, but I was able to mingle with Paddy Ashdown and Vince Cable at their talk on 'Globalisation', as well as meet the top players in policy and public service.

I really enjoyed getting involved in research projects, both at the beginning when conducting literature searches and during the final stages of proofing and editing final drafts. It is brilliant to get to work with thinkers who are impacting political policy, and they are all so nice too (especially when you make them cups of tea).

After my three months at CentreForum I not only felt proud of the events and research projects I had contributed to, but also had a clearer idea of what I actually enjoy and as opposed to what I thought I would enjoy. I've found I'm more pragmatic than theoretically critical, and so have applied to a management consultancy who work with the public sector. I really believe that my internship helped secure me a place on their graduate scheme.

After finishing my degree in English Literature last year I decided I wanted a change of focus and to work in the public sector. My internship at CentreForum provided me with the ideal opportunity to gain experience of working in the political sphere in a friendly and lively organisation. I was asked to undertake a whole range of different projects during my three months in the office, both research and administrative, so my experience was varied and interesting. I worked on a large number of research projects from education to multilateralism and saw policy papers at various stages of development.

Being involved with organising events such as the summer party and CentreForum's first trip to Scotland was extremely satisfying and also provided a unique chance to meet a large spectrum of people working in the political field. I was also encouraged to attend events at other think tanks and to visit Parliament whenever possible.

Overall, my time with CentreForum enabled me to improve my knowledge of public policy and to observe the workings of the political system at first hand. This has not only helped me to decide what I want to do in the future, but has also made it more possible for me to do it.  

Soon after graduating from university I spent 3 months undertaking an internship at CentreForum. It's a great introduction to the public sector, whether you're interested in politics, social affairs or public policymaking. I was quickly involved with several aspects of CentreForum's work - from event organisation, to background research and proofreading publications. I also helped update the website and did some blogging. The office is based in the heart of Westminster which is convenient for attending seminars, Parliamentary Committees and other events. I would highly recommend an internship at CentreForum. Not only will it improve your CV but you will also get some hands-on experience at a dynamic public policy think-tank, with a friendly office atmosphere.

My internship with CentreForum gave me exactly what I had hoped it would: hands on research experience in the field of public policy. During my three months with the organisation, the work I carried out was varied and interesting. I primarily assisted with projects on demography and welfare reform, but also got fully involved in event organisation, proof reading, and some basic office administration. I also had the opportunty to attend any external events that were of interest.

Overall, I found the experience extremely worthwhile. It was particularly interesting to observe the genesis and development of new ideas for future projects. An internship with CentreForum will provide you with the opportunity to work with some interesting and talented people and also, importantly, to build up valuable CV material. In short, i would strongly recommend an internship with CentreForum to anyone interested in pursuing a career in research and gaining an insight into policy formation and politics more generally.

In the summer before my final year at university I spent two months at CentreForum gaining insight into the political world. Although parliament was out of session during this period, at the end of my placement I was able to participate in the programme at the Lib Dem Conference, which was a highlight that I would certainly recommend.

During my time with the organisation I developed administrative skills but also had the opportunity to research family policy and issues related to climate change, both of which were highly topical. There was also the opportunity to be involved with the events that were organised and I was able to attend external events that were of personal interest.

My placement was extremely worthwhile; I was made to feel very welcome and highly enjoyed the whole experience. I would recommend an internship at CentreForum to anybody interested in exploring a career in politics or with a keen interest in the political world.

I began my internship at CentreForum after graduating from Sheffield University. I was unsure where I wanted to take my career and CentreForum enabled me to gain a plethora of experience: in research, event co-ordination, writing and editing – all within the political domain.

During my eight weeks at CentreForum, I primarily undertook a research project on regionalism, preparing for, and contributing towards the new discussion website, ‘freethink.’ Alongside this, I edited a pamphlet for a leading Lib Dem frontbencher and helped organise CentreForum’s fringe events for the Autumn Conference.

The highlight of the summer was spending the week at the conference in Blackpool, writing reports on the fringe meetings and seeing lots of high profile politicians!

I would strongly recommend a CentreForum internship in order to gain valuable experience, pursue a career in politics and most importantly, have fun!

I spent ten weeks working at CentreForum after I'd left university.  I was present during the refashioning of Centre for Reform into CentreForum, the move to a new office, and the introduction of new faces on to the team, so it was an interesting (and occasionally rather hectic!) time.  So although one day I was building Ikea desks (along with the Chief Executive and everyone else, I hasten to add) most of my time was spent researching a report on social mobility and also helping out with event organisation and general office admin.  My time at CentreForum was certainly valuable: it was a great insight into the political world and I felt fully included by the rest of the team. An internship at CentreForum is an a stimulating introduction to working in politics, doing productive, varied work in in a busy, friendly office.