Mid Sussex District Council helps local students gain a competitive edge through new intern partnership

- 27/08/2026

Mid Sussex District Council helps local students gain a competitive edge through new intern partnership

Three University of Sussex law students have completed a six-week summer Career Lab internship with Mid Sussex District Council (MSDC), gaining valuable workplace experience while supporting the Council's Governance team on priority workstreams.

The programme, the first of its kind at MSDC, and in partnership with the University, was designed to help students bridge the gap between education and employment. The students gained practical experience that can be difficult to acquire in an increasingly competitive graduate job market, while the Council benefited from their fresh perspectives, digital skills, and enthusiasm. The three interns were selected following a competitive recruitment process, which included the Council's first assessment centre.

Based within the Council's Governance team, the interns worked on live projects involving legal research, information governance requests, and the implementation of changes arising from new planning regulations.  The interns also took part in coaching and professional development opportunities.

The students gained first-hand experience of public sector project delivery, decision-making processes, stakeholder engagement, and the collaborative processes that underpin local government services, helping them develop the practical skills and professional understanding sought by employers.

Interns Esme O'Rourke-Black, Matthew Llong, and Vaishnavvi Kulam, worked alongside Assistant Director of Governance, Julie Galvin, and had the opportunity to meet other senior figures at the Council, including the Leader, Councillor Robert Eggleston. Cllr Eggleston spoke to the students about his own career progression, including his experience of entering employment post-university and benefitting from work experience before starting roles first in finance, and then law.

Reflecting on her experience, Esme O’Rourke-Black a 25-year-old undergraduate, said:

"I've learnt and grown more than I ever expected. We've learnt so much beyond the role description and been given loads of opportunities, including coaching and Insights Discovery professional development."

Julie Galvin, Assistant Director of Governance at Mid Sussex District Council, said:

"The internship programme has been hugely beneficial both for the students and for the Council. We welcomed three talented and motivated individuals into the team, who quickly became integrated into our day-to-day work."

"Student interns bring fresh perspectives, strong research and analytical skills, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. Schemes like this allow us to support local young people while drawing on the wealth of talent that exists within our communities."

The internship programme supports MSDC’s commitment to creating pathways into employment, helping local people develop skills, access high-quality jobs and remain in the district. It also supports the Council’s Sustainable Economic Strategy by strengthening links between education and employers, while reflecting its Social Value Charter commitment to improving community wellbeing through access to employment opportunities.

MSDC currently supports 13 apprentices across Levels 3 to 7, working in teams including Finance, Environmental Health, Planning, Human Resources and Communications. These opportunities support school and college leavers beginning their careers, existing employees seeking professional qualifications, and individuals looking to change career.

Alongside its apprenticeship offer, the Council has also hosted 11 work experience placements over the past year for young people aged 15 and above. These placements provide students with the opportunity to shadow professionals and gain an insight into careers within local government.

Councillor Robert Eggleston, Leader of Mid Sussex District Council, said:

"Lack of experience should never be a barrier for someone who wants to pursue a new opportunity. Before my professional career, I studied for a university degree which included a 4-year sandwich course, offering me some valuable, lived, work experience.

"I'm proud that the Council is helping to open pathways for local young people in a challenging job market. By creating opportunities like this, we're giving talented individuals the chance to gain experience, confidence, and professional skills that can make a real difference to their future careers."

Emily Huns, Head of Careers and Entrepreneurship at the University of Sussex commented on the success of the partnership:

"Mid Sussex District Council's commitment to supporting University of Sussex students through the Career Lab Summer Internship Programme has delivered outstanding results. Seeing all three interns progress into extended or permanent roles demonstrates the impact that strong employer partnerships can have on student outcomes.

"We are proud of our award-winning programme and of the positive contribution that the University of Sussex and its students make to our local community and economy."

ENDS