Government Affairs Intern, UK & Ireland - Placement Year in City of Westminster

Government Affairs Intern, UK & Ireland - Placement Year in City of Westminster

City of Westminster Placement 42750 - 52250 £ / year (est.) On-site
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Research policy trends and support government engagement initiatives.
  • Company: Join Cisco's innovative Government Affairs team in London.
  • Benefits: Gain valuable experience, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
  • Other info: 12-month placement starting July 2027 with excellent career growth potential.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on technology policy and engage with leaders.
  • Qualifications: Studying Politics, Public Policy, or related fields; strong research skills.

The predicted salary is between 42750 - 52250 £ per year.

  • Research and monitor key policy trends, regulatory changes, and developments in areas such as connectivity, AI, cybersecurity, digital transformation, skills, geopolitics, and trade.
  • Develop and maintain internal-facing briefings, presentations, newsletters, and stakeholder maps to support the UKI Government Affairs function.
  • Identify where Cisco can engage with policymaking and regulatory processes, including tracking key Parliamentary developments.
  • Support the preparation, coordination, and follow-up of events and internal meetings.
  • Explore where AI can improve team workflows and efficiency.
  • Attend and produce summaries of conferences, hearings, and industry association meetings to provide actionable insights for the team.

At the start of your internship, we'll be focusing on helping you bridge any knowledge gaps, and your tasks will be chosen to support your learning needs.

As you progress, we'll rely on you more as a full member of the team working to deliver high-quality outputs.

  • Studying for a degree that is primarily focused on Politics, Public Policy, International Affairs, Economics, Law or related subjects.
  • Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex information and summarise findings in a clear, concise manner.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, including flexibility, and the ability to work autonomously in a fast-paced environment.
  • Able to legally live and work in the UK., Previous internship or project experience related to technology policy or government affairs.
  • Sound understanding of parliamentary processes and political institutions in the UK & Ireland.
  • Able to demonstrate knowledge of politics and current affairs.

Cisco is seeking an intern for a year-long placement in its global Government Affairs team, covering the UK & Ireland.

Based in London and reporting to the Head of Government Affairs, UK & Ireland, this individual will help advance Cisco's government engagements and public policy efforts.

The 12-month placement begins in July 2027 and is designed for an individual currently studying in higher education.

Cisco's Government Affairs team represents the company with governments around the world to build relationships with key leaders, advance Cisco's public policy goals, and educate governments about our industry.

Government Affairs is involved in all key legislative, regulatory, and global issues that impact the technology industry.

We are comprised of government and public policy experts across two dozen countries who represent Cisco at the highest levels of government.

The team has extensive experience in and out of government and are recognised leaders in the industry.

Your Impact As a UK & Ireland Government Affairs Intern, you will support senior colleagues to represent the company with leaders at all levels of government throughout both countries.

You will help to formulate and implement innovative policy solutions that advance Cisco's business and enable our purpose to power an inclusive future for all.

At Cisco, we're revolutionizing how data and infrastructure connect and protect organizations in the AI era - and beyond.

We've been innovating fearlessly for 40 years to create solutions that power how humans and technology work together across the physical and digital worlds.

These solutions provide customers with unparalleled security, visibility, and insights across the entire digital footprint.

Fueled by the depth and breadth of our technology, we experiment and create meaningful solutions.

Add to that our worldwide network of doers and experts, and you'll see that the opportunities to grow and build are limitless.

We work as a team, collaborating with empathy to make really big things happen on a global scale.

Because our solutions are everywhere, our impact is everywhere.

We are Cisco, and our power starts with you.

Cisco is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected basis.

Cisco will consider for employment, on a case by case basis, qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

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Government Affairs Intern, UK & Ireland - Placement Year in City of Westminster employer: Cisco Systems, Inc.

Cisco is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, empowering employees to lead transformative projects in the AI era. With a commitment to professional growth, employees benefit from extensive training opportunities and mentorship within a diverse, multidisciplinary team. Located in the UK, Cisco offers a dynamic work environment where your contributions directly impact global infrastructure, making it a rewarding place to build a meaningful career.

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Contact Details:

Cisco Systems, Inc. Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Government Affairs Intern, UK & Ireland - Placement Year in City of Westminster

✨Connect with Your Uni’s Career Service

Your university’s career service is your best mate when it comes to finding a placement in the public sector. They usually have insights into upcoming opportunities and can connect you with employers who specifically look for fresh talent from your uni. Don't miss out on info sessions or workshops they might organise!

✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects

Public sector jobs often value community-minded individuals, so why not jump in with local initiatives? Volunteering in community projects can give you a foot in the door and help you build a network that’s crucial when looking for placements with organisations like local councils or NGOs.

✨Follow Relevant Government Social Media Channels

Stay in the loop by following the social media accounts of government departments and local councils. They often post about placement opportunities, events, and deadlines. Keeping an eye on these channels can give you that inside edge, and make sure you're not missing any chances!

✨Tailor Your Approach to Specific Roles

When you find a placement opportunity with a specific organisation like Cisco Systems, Inc., take the time to align your skills and experiences with their values and mission. Public sector roles often have a strong focus on community service and leadership, so highlight any relevant experiences when you apply through our website!

We think you need these skills to ace Government Affairs Intern, UK & Ireland - Placement Year in City of Westminster

Research Skills
Analytical Skills
Policy Analysis
Presentation Skills
Stakeholder Mapping
Event Coordination
Interpersonal Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Passion for Public Service:When applying for a role in the government public sector, it’s vital to showcase your genuine interest in making a difference. Use your cover letter to highlight any volunteer work, projects, or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to serving the community. This passion is often a deciding factor for public sector roles!

Highlight Relevant Skills and Experiences:Be sure to include any skills or experiences relevant to government work in your CV. This could be anything from strong communication skills to research abilities, particularly if you've done any projects related to public policy or social issues. Tailor your CV to reflect these and back them up with concrete examples from your studies or previous work.

Emphasise Your Learning Agility:Since this is a placement, it’s important to convey your eagerness to learn and grow. In your application, mention specific instances where you've quickly picked up new skills or adapted to new environments. Public sector work can be dynamic, and showcasing your adaptability can really make you stand out!

Check Out Your Digital Presence:While most people think about their CV and cover letter, don’t forget your online presence! If you've written about public affairs or engaged in discussions on social media, mention it in your application. This can reinforce your passion for the sector and give the hiring team at Cisco Systems, Inc. a sense of your engagement with current issues.

How to prepare for a job interview at Cisco Systems, Inc.

✨Understand Current Policies

Being in the government and public sector means you should be up-to-date on current policies, initiatives, and issues relevant to Cisco Systems, Inc.. Familiarise yourself with local or national government projects—this knowledge will show you’re engaged and serious about the role.

✨Highlight Your Service Mindset

In the public sector, it’s all about serving the community. During your interview, focus on past experiences where you've demonstrated a commitment to public service, teamwork, and ethics. Even if your background is different, think about how your skills or volunteer work align with the values of Cisco Systems, Inc..

✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions

Expect behavioural interview questions that ask how you've handled situations in the past, particularly related to teamwork and problem-solving. Brush up on the STAR method to structure your responses—this will help you shine in your answers and relate them back to the skills that are crucial in the public sector.

✨Show Your Willingness to Learn

As a placement candidate, they want to see your eagerness to learn and adapt. Don’t be afraid to express what you're hoping to gain from the experience at Cisco Systems, Inc.. Talk about your academic achievements and how they can translate into real-world applications during your time with them.