How did you come to Publieke Zaken (PZ), and can you describe your development within PZ?
Hannah: After a Bachelor's degree in International Relations & Organizations and a Bachelor's degree in Philosophy, I wanted to do a six-month internship during my Master's degree in Political Philosophy to gain more practical experience. I have always found Dutch politics and debating super interesting, but I was not familiar with Public Affairs, however. Through LinkedIn I happened to come across the vacancy for intern, and after a phone call about the position I immediately applied with enthusiasm. Thus, I actually happened to end up at a place that fits super well with my interest in politics. I also discovered new interests here, namely in the energy, climate and agriculture sectors. I didn't really know what to expect, and was still a little worried that my gamma background wouldn't be a good fit for this industry. Fortunately, this was not the case.
You not only develop knowledge about politics here at lightning speed. Without any prior experience with topics like "hydrogen" and the "energy-saving obligation," you'll become familiar with a wide variety of topics super fast with this work. Through the political monitor that you are an important part of as an intern, you read super much about the relevant topics. This way you develop knowledge about new topics in a relatively short time. Also by following debates you pick up things quickly. After a few months, you also get the opportunity to start developing more in a specific area that you find most interesting. By involving yourself with advisors who work in this area and helping them with certain tasks, you get the opportunity for more depth and development.
Sjoerd: While studying political science, I visited a public affairs office once, which I really liked at the time. Bridging the gap between business and politics really appealed to me. A few years later I finished my two bachelors, and had an interim period of six months before starting a master's degree. Through the Internet, I started looking for public affairs firms in The Hague, and soon found myself at Publieke Zaken . I found the focus on sustainability issues appealing, and after a pleasant introductory interview, the choice was quickly made for me.
The first weeks at Publieke Zaken are mainly a lot of reading up and absorbing information. We have many internal meetings from which you learn a lot in the first weeks. Soon you will be given more and more tasks, with the focus as an intern mainly on monitoring politics and society. After a while, you also get to experience more and more of the advisory work at Publieke Zaken , by helping advisors with chores or going along to an advisory meeting. For me, going to such meetings is a goal that I set beforehand and that I would like to achieve. As an intern, I want to explore as much as possible what I want and what suits me, so I would like to experience the analytical part and the advisory part of public affairs. A lot is possible in that area at this office, but you have to raise the alarm yourself should you want something.
That sounds very educational and diverse, can you describe a standard workday?
Sjoerd: A normal work day starts with the morning call, where everyone discusses with each other what he or she is going to do that day, and what important things are scheduled. After that, you have the space to pick up your tasks however you like. Our main task is keeping the political monitor, which involves processing a large flow of information and then sending the relevant pieces to clients. We regularly have information sessions on relevant topics such as hydrogen, CCS, subsidies, or on a particular portfolio. Other than that, we do a lot of loose chores and support consultants in their advisory work. We have lunch together in our office every day and every Thursday we have drinks in the Plein. Furthermore, there is a cozy and informal atmosphere at the office, where you quickly feel at ease. Of course, everyone is also interested in politics, so there is always room for a nice conversation or discussion about current topics.
Super, that sounds great! What do you like most about your internship at PZ so far?
Hannah: Working in the energy, climate and agriculture industry is super interesting because there are constantly new developments and it is one of the most relevant topics today. No working day is the same because one day the IPPC releases a new report on climate, and the next day a minister announces that the Netherlands must be climate neutral by 2050. In my opinion, the climate is the biggest challenge the world faces, and it will only become more important in the future. It's cool to be able to witness this up close.
When doing an internship, I often had the idea that as an intern you would get the more 'boring' jobs or not be a full member of the team. This is certainly not the case at PZ. You are a full member of the team and are given many opportunities to develop yourself. Through creating agendas for clients, helping present at knowledge sessions and other tasks, you are super involved. This is also related to what I especially like about doing an internship at PZ: the overall atmosphere. It's a relatively young team that gets along really well. For example, we have lunch together every day, and on Thursday afternoons we have a get-together where attendance is high. Colleagues are super helpful, like to involve you in the team and appreciate the work you do.
Sjoerd: Agreed! What I really like is the way you are involved in the team as an intern. You actually have the same duties as an employee who is just starting out, and you are really part of the team. For example, we recently had a team day where, with the help of a coach, we learned about our 'team roles' and how best to use them in our work. Being taken along as an intern to such events makes you feel valued and part of the whole team.
