Having had a long-standing interest in government and a desire to study a politics-based course at university, a work experience placement – over the summer before university application forms are sent out – at a think tank looked as if it would, and indeed has been, a thoroughly rewarding experience.

Warned on my first day that in-office tasks could range from highly-topical and interesting to mundane and soul-crushing, I crossed my fingers and hoped for the former. A restriction of the number of desks meant being alone in the director’s office on my first day which, although a shield from the potential embarrassment of my inability to talk on the telephone, the novelty soon wore off as skirmishes to the toilet and kitchen revealed a laid-back environment, full of ‘chilled-out entertainers’ which, one presented with the opportunity to talk to, helped ease me in to the alien world of office life.

I was given tasks which at least seemed to be important made me feel as if I was a fully-fledged member of staff – writing a bibliography for an upcoming publication, making calls confirming invitations to conferences and seminars, proofreading and summarising reports and even looking for a new office. Even stuffing, stamping and sealing 2000 envelopes appealed to the masochist in me.

Local government, with the stigma of being a boring operation responsible for dustbins and streetlights, is having its image and powers changed and expanded with NLGN acting as a catalyst.

Staff were incredibly friendly and inclusive and helped to make me feel both welcomed and wanted, keeping me busy and entertained. To use a cliché, my short stay at the NLGN office was a valuable experience, one which I am certain I will draw from in later life.