Social Sciences student lands summer internship with local MP

A GCU student has successfully secured an internship with her local MP - in the hope it will help her pursue a career in politics in the future.

Third year Social Sciences student Giorgia Cocozza was offered the internship after tirelessly searching for internships within politics, but with no luck due to the current pandemic. Giorgia decided to attend a careers fair hoping to find out more about internships with MSPs and was advised to contact them directly.

Giorgia decided to contact her local MSPs to show her interest. She said: “I emailed three of my local MSPs, with two immediately replying that due to Covid-19 restrictions, they were unable to take on any interns.

However, I received an email from Christina McKelvie’s head of communications with a potential offer for a 2021 summer internship. Numerous emails and phone calls later, I was offered a position in March 2021 to work alongside Christina and her team.”

She added: “I am extremely passionate about politics and would love to pursue a career in this field after graduating.

I am not precisely sure as to what area of politics I would like to work in at the moment, but I am hoping my internship will provide me with increased knowledge in the field and help me to figure out my potential career path.”

Giorgia believes that finding internships whilst studying at university is extremely beneficial. She said: “I would say it is extremely important to look for internships or volunteering opportunities whilst still studying.  

In doing so, it makes your CV stand out from your peers and increases your chance of securing a job after graduating; whilst also increasing your personal skills and knowledge.”

Find out more about internships on the GCU Careers website.

By Rachael McAlonan

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