Shaz Ladha, becomes the Department for Education’s first sandwich placement student as he starts a role with the cross-government Policy Profession.

When I received information about this placement from my university careers hub, I knew this could be an incredible opportunity for my future. Having just completed my second year studying Politics and International Relations at the University of Sheffield, any work experience would be invaluable, but for me, working for the Civil Service was particularly exciting. I moved to Sheffield for university from a small village in North Derbyshire. Neither of my parents work office jobs nor have they connections to politics, but when I saw the email, I knew I had to apply. And I’m so glad I did. 

Policy is a term that is frequently thrown around in my degree. Now, working in the Policy Professional Unit, I am gaining a lot of experience working cross-government and plenty of practical knowledge, which is laying strong foundations for work I hope to do in the future. This opportunity has allowed me to see first-hand how the government functions at many levels and to witness the theoretical aspects of my degree in action. 

Being able to work with and meet people working from across the government departments is a surreal experience. In school, I was fortunate to have teachers who instilled curiosity and confidence in me, qualities I believe all students should experience. My new role has evolved my passion for education and education policy into a passion for policy making that levels the playing field for all, especially providing equal opportunities for young people. I am particularly interested in the social justice aspect of education policy, focusing on breaking down barriers that prevent students from accessing quality education, both nationally and internationally. Working with teams across government and with our equalities team in the Policy Profession Unit, I recognise now more than before the focus on demystifying the Civil Service and diversifying the workforce.  

Over the summer, I was fortunate enough to intern within the Department of Education, working in the Skills Group on T Level results as part of a cohort of summer interns through the Sheffield Policy Campus. Before securing the placement, I wasn’t aware of the campus and assumed national policy work had to be done in London. I couldn’t have been more wrong. 

Sheffield’s Policy Campus and the Policy Profession Unit has significantly propelled my development, enabling me to enhance my skillset and build a strong network of enthusiastic and inspirational leaders within the Civil Service. Although I have only started my placement year, I have already learned a lot and know there is much more to learn. Over the next 11 months, I hope to contribute to projects that have positive impacts on the public. 

Like many students, I’m unsure what I want to do after graduation. The labour market offers many opportunities, which is great, but I don’t fully understand what some job titles entail or whether they would suit me. What I do know is that I want to work in the public sector long-term, hopefully in policy. I aim to use this placement as a springboard to expand my network and explore all possible future options, especially those related to improving access to quality education and overcoming barriers that students face.