University – University of Glasgow
Qualification – Master’s Degree in European Politics and Law
Job hunting experience – It was very difficult. I remember sending out a number of different job applications every day, and often not hearing back from those applications at all. I secured a number of different interviews, but was never successful in obtaining a position until I was offered this position with The Scottish Government.
Roles and responsibilities – In this position, I was responsible for supporting Scottish Government Ministers by drafting briefings and speeches, and responses to Parliamentary Questions. I had the opportunity to accompany Ministers on a number of different visits, and even had the opportunity to draft a response to a question put to Nicola Sturgeon at the weekly round of First Minister’s Questions!
I worked as a Graduate Intern within the Commonwealth Games Legacy Team, which was responsible for securing an enduring legacy for the whole of Scotland from the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. This gave me the opportunity to work directly in the Scottish Government’s Commonwealth Games Coordination Centre, and to be at the heart of the Scottish Government’s activities during the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
One of my proudest achievements was when I organised, developed and delivered an equality and human rights conference at Hampden Park in March 2015, which celebrated the successes of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games in this area, and looked at the next steps. A range of national equality, human rights and sports organisations were in attendance, and I even drafted the speech which was delivered at the event by the Minister for Sport, Health Improvement and Mental Health.
Where are you now? – I now work for Roger Mullin MP, SNP Member of Parliament for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath, and the SNP’s Treasury Spokesperson at Westminster. I am responsible for dealing with the Member’s casework, however, from time to time, I also have the opportunity to draft motions and Parliamentary Questions on a range of local and national issues.
I am very grateful to Adopt an Intern for having given me the opportunity to begin my career in a field which I had always dreamed of working in. I can certainly say that I wouldn’t be where I am now, had I not had the opportunity to undertake my position with The Scottish Government through Adopt an Intern, and I am very excited to see how my career will develop from here.
Daniel Jones
Adopt an Intern Alumni
Generalist Intern with Scottish Government
