Ketsia Mukobo is a resident of New Cross and currently studying A levels in English, French and Politics. Last week she spent two days in Parliament and three days in Vicky’s constituency office for her work experience. On her last day, she wrote this blog about her time in an MP’s office.

Vicky and Ketsia in the Opposition Whips office.

This one week placement was more than just an opportunity for me to broaden my understanding of the political field or to discover more about the role my MP plays as a Labour Opposition Whip. It also gave more clarity to a passion of mine that I have felt all my life and made me feel submerged in politics and international relations.

When I started my week’s placement I met two of Vicky’s staff members Reshima and Beth who made me feel comfortable, attended to my curiosity and answered my budding questions. I was very happy to see that they not only wanted this experience to be worthwhile but that it also tapped into something I am very interested in -; international relations. As a result, I was able to attend the debate on British prisoners in Iran with Vicky and was able to look deeper into the saddening current circumstances in Venezuela and do some research into the Saudi Arabia-;Yemen attacks.

It was a pleasure to be able to see what I learn in my government and politics lessons come to life through attending Treasury Questions, spending two days of my placement in Westminster, having a fascinating tour around Parliament and improving my knowledge of the history of Parliament, the monarchy and the establishment of our extraordinary democracy.

Highlights of my week included using my journalistic skills to write blog posts for Vicky’s website, solidifying my interest in international affairs and seeing myself get closer to my dreams through this placement. I must not forget to mention my conversation with Vicky in which I got a full grasp of her passion for her work and the care she has for her constituents and how to improve Lewisham, Deptford.

I cannot forget to mention Vicky’s amazing team who made this experience exceed my expectations, it was not only informative but fun thanks to them. In addition to working in Westminster, I enjoyed working in the constituency and learning about the many different cases which are continuously brought to Vicky’s attention.

I had a buzzing week, full of great opportunities to develop my understanding of government and Parliament and to give me a clearer understanding of international affairs.