Simran Massey

While pursuing my MSc. in International Social & Public Policy (Development) at LSE (2022), I was selected for the LSE-Parliamentary internship and had the valuable experience of working closely with Alan Brown MP at the House of Commons on a plethora of socio-economic issues. During a time of significant change in UK politics, I was exposed to the inner workings of the political system and the intricacies of policy-making. From drafting briefs to witnessing parliamentary debates firsthand, each moment solidified my resolve to enact meaningful change from within the heart of government. From Westminster to Whitehall, my studies at LSE taught me that true change begins with those who dare to dream, to learn, and to lead by example. It instilled in me a ‘can do’ attitude and shaped my passion for driving tangible policy change.

Alongside my time at the UK Parliament, I served as a Student Representative of the LSE Social Policy Green Impact Team, where we were granted one of the Sustainability Annual Awards at LSE’s 13th Celebration of Sustainability. I was also the Head of Research and Innovation, at LSE’s Energy Society and Climate Division of LSE’s Future Impact Society, where I was involved in varied aspects of the climate debate, ranging from the green energy transition to building sustainable cities around the world.

Whilst at the Department of Social Policy, I was a Research Assistant with the Race Matters Initiative, which aimed to investigate and raise awareness of race and experiences of racism and discrimination on students’ well-being through qualitative interviews. Furthermore, I participated in LSE’s Effective Altruism Fellowship, aiming to take scientific action to improve the ways in which we do good. To maximise social impact, I was also one of the Social Policy Blog Editors and was fortunate to have my articles published.

My Master’s Dissertation on “Regeneration, Green Jobs and Social Inclusion in Scotland: The case of Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire: From Factory Town to Green Innovation Hub?" was selected, among researchers all across Europe, to present at LSE’s Annual interdisciplinary conference- ‘Knowledge Beyond Boundaries’ in 2023 and 2024. My primary-research specifically focused on how policy should be at the grassroots level to change people’s mentality of ‘half-glass empty’ when it comes to socio-economic and cultural regeneration projects.

Indeed, life is a learning curve. LSE equipped me with skills to not just survive but thrive at the House of Commons and subsequently crack the UK Civil Service assessments. Although the path may at times had been stressful, LSE taught me that, at the end of the day, “You Got This!”.

Now, as a Policy Advisor at the UK’s Department for Transport, I aim to take forward my learning and values that LSE instilled in us. At DfT, I am also the Chair of the Gender Equality Network to inspire change through supporting the department’s anti-bullying, harassment and discrimination initiatives. My motto has always been: Be less afraid to be authentic. Always be honest and communicate from a place of kindness, good humour, and fairness.