Research Internship Programme
The Research Internship Programme aims to involve successful candidates in a wide variety of Demos' research activities. Ideally, we are looking for undergraduates and recent graduates of any discipline who are interested in current affairs and social policy, and want to gain valuable research experience.
As a research intern you will either be assigned to one or more projects or a specific project area. Demos focus on six areas: public services; science and technology; cities and public spaces; people and communities; arts and culture; and global security. The role of assisting in research projects is varied, but at some time or another your responsibilities are likely to include:
Desk based research
This might include anything from doing statistical analysis to google searches. Past examples include literature reviews of projects being undertaken by Demos.
Papers and briefings
Interns get involved in the production of Demos' pamphlets, papers and briefings at all stages, from conception to the final draft.
Fieldwork
Interns help out researchers in their range of research activities outside the office, including seminars, interviews, focus groups and meetings. This has in the past included organising a brief tour of some of Britains for work on public space and visiting families in their homes for 'The Other Glass Ceiling'.
The network
A common intern task is to expand the Demos database and network by, for example, helping to choose people to invite to Demos events.
Events
Often interns are put in charge of, or asked to help out with, organising a wide range of project-related events and activities, from designing the structure of the event to sorting out the food and drink. You might be helping to launch a Demos pamphlet, conducting focus groups with young people or organising high profile seminars.
New ideas
Interns are highly valued for their new ideas and angles on existing projects that they bring. The atmosphere is such that in a surprisingly short time you can go from making an off-handed comment on something to becoming the office expert! Proposals that have been drafted and co-written by interns in the past include one for researching the potential of broadband in rural areas.
Office administration
In addition all interns are expected to help with the day-to-day working of the office, assisting with such basic tasks as mail-outs, photocopying and answering the telephone. These tasks are shared between all interns through a rota system, so at the most you'll spend an hour per day on admin tasks.