For Emma Mellors working as an intern in the Office of the Clerk of Tynwald is ‘the coolest job ever’, and her colleague on the programme, Holly MacRae, agrees: ‘I’ve loved every minute’.

Originally from South Africa, Emma came to the Island in 2015 and is a former Ballakermeen High School student.  She completed an MSc in Social Research at the University of Hull, where she also took a degree in Criminology and Sociology. She said: ‘I didn’t know much about Tynwald but when I saw the position advertised I thought it would be a really cool place to work, and it’s proving to be way better than I could ever have expected.

‘Tynwald is very accessible and I never thought I’d have the opportunity to work so closely with Members and officers and to be contributing to processes that can make an impact on legislation. The work’s very immersive - you’re right at the heart of Isle of Man politics. Serving as assistant clerk to three committees, where I get to meet with people involved in bringing about change, is really eye-opening and I’ve greatly enjoyed being involved with the tours of the Chambers and working with the Hansard team.

‘I did research for my Master’s degree so the research aspect of the internship really resonated with me and I’m learning more about it on the job. Everyone’s been extremely welcoming and approachable, so I always feel comfortable if I need to ask a question.  My internship’s coming to end in September and it’s been a real privilege to be part of the team. Working as a Tynwald intern has been a fantastic, fun job - one that I know I’ll struggle to top.’

Originally from Scotland, former Queen Elizabeth II High School student Holly MacRae completed an Open University degree in Arts and Humanities with English Literature and German before starting her internship. She will be moving on to a role in the Chief Minister’s Office. She said: ‘It was hard for me to imagine that I would have had this level of close contact with local politicians, to be involved in providing research and scrutiny support, logging debates for Hansard in the House of Keys, serving as assistant clerk to two committees and seeing legislation unfold – and even seeing the King when he visited Tynwald on July 14.

‘As a Tynwald intern working with different teams you’re exposed to so many elements of political life. I love up-front public speaking so have enjoyed doing the tours. Feedback from visitors has been very positive. They’re so often struck by how accessible Tynwald is.  A particular high point for me has been to see the publication of ‘Royal Assent to Manx legislation and associated procedures’, the research paper I co-authored with Jonathan King the Clerk of Tynwald.

‘I’ve always been quite a confident person, but this internship has certainly boosted my self-confidence. Everyone has been so welcoming and helpful. You feel that they all want us to succeed and to find and develop our own particular “space”. I would say that if you’re at a crossroads after leaving university I think there’s no other job that can offer such variety and skills you’ll be able to apply anywhere.’

Emma and Holly have recorded a video that offers an insight into the day-to-day life of a Tynwald intern. It can be viewed here.

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For further information contact:

Joann Corkish
Deputy Clerk of Tynwald
Legislative Buildings
Douglas
IM1 3PW
Tel: 01624 685500
j.corkish@tynwald.org.im