A Fortnight at WA: Work experience reflections

I came into Westminster with a general idea about what goes on at WA Communications. I knew that their work principally involved engaging with, researching for, and advising clients on policy and communications campaigns. This does, of course, encapsulate what they do as a strategic communications consultancy, but my fortnight of work experience at WA has taught me that there is so much more to it.

Here are a few of my views of the last fortnight, what the world of policy, public affairs and communications really involves and WA’s impressively detailed approach.

Whether it is helping to summarise the Chancellor’s new financial statement announcement or noting down the implications of a health debate in Parliament, politics played a dominant role in my work here. The recent, drastic shift to a Labour government and its associated changes have presented WA Communications with an important task: research, analyse, and communicate challenges and implications to clients. However, my experience over the last fortnight has shown me not only the urgency and professionalism of the work, but also the attention to detail and breadth of the required research – far more than just political intuition.

Stakeholder mapping – a term which, formerly unknown to me, is now ingrained in my vocabulary – appears an indispensable tool which considers a broad range of possible ‘stakeholders’, from Think Tanks and professional organisations to charities and Government ministers. Thanks to this experience, I now understand far better what is involved in the process of ‘communication’ to clients. The research done behind-the-scenes is substantial, far more than I anticipated, but very rewarding, since it gives you and your client a certain confidence that their future business decisions will be based on a deep understanding of the key decision makers and influencers to drive policy change.

My main takeaway from these weeks is the quality and quantity of research and insights which goes into every client account. All angles are considered, the internet is practically emptied of relevant information and the combined expertise held across the team is deep, no matter how niche the topic is.

WA Communications has shown me what it is like to work in a great team of committed people doing exceptional work. As well as gaining insights into the work, I got to experience the friendliness and sociability of the workplace environment. It has been an invaluable experience with people who were invariably welcoming and understanding.