My week with Cratus Group
Over the past week I have been very fortunate to have spent time on a work experience placement with the team at Cratus Group.
I am a BA (Hons) International Relations and Politics student, and I have just finished my second year at the University of Lincoln. While at University I have engaged in a variety of different opportunities including standing as a candidate for the City Council. I have been looking for experience in the political sector, and it has been great to experience the private side of the sector through public affairs.
During the week I have gained a wide range of insights into the workings of the company, giving me valuable experience in the sector of public affairs, as well as giving me the opportunity to develop my skills.
After meeting members of the team and being familiarised with the office space, my week started with writing a research report for a client and attending the Local Councils’ Network reception in the House of Lords. This was a great opportunity for me to learn about the day-to-day company engagement with clients in the office, while also seeing engagement further afield with councillors and their associated networks. While at the event I ran into several people I already knew, including the Chief Executive at South Kesteven District Council. This provided a good lesson to me in how it is possible to make connections anywhere, and how these connections can show up again in the future.
On my second day, alongside my report, I wrote a briefing related to an upcoming meeting and was able to attend a public consultation meeting, related to a building proposal from a client. Attending this event showed me how the company utilises its skillset to help promote projects to the public on behalf of clients.
Midweek I helped the team by completing client monitoring reports, filling out excel spreadsheets related to council research along with conducting research on upcoming calls for planning proposals, which can be used to begin client engagement.
I finished off my week by helping to prepare for a brunch at the Oxo Tower involving council leaders and cabinet members from across London. I helped to ensure that the event ran smoothly and I spent time taking photos at the event which can be used in marketing and promotional material.
Overall, I have had a very insightful week, gaining an understanding of the variety of tasks involved in Cratus, and in the public affairs sector as a whole, as well as what it’s like working in London, which is an important experience for when I do enter full-time work after my university studies.
I give my thanks to everyone at Cratus Group for taking me in and showing me their roles, everyone was friendly and very knowledgeable, making my work experience placement an incredibly positive and valuable experience.
