My placement with the Climate Change Committee (CCC) from March to June 2025 gave me the unique opportunity to gain insight into climate policy at an organisation which plays a crucial part in determining the UK’s climate trajectory. It was a profoundly useful, enlightening and rewarding placement for me, and I would unreservedly recommend undertaking a placement to other OOC DTP students.
The CCC is an independent, statutory body that advises the UK government on emissions targets and reports on progress made in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change. I worked within the People and Business team, drawing on my previous work experience in climate finance to focus on how the climate transition can be supported by and support the private sector, and how its impact on households can be managed.
My time there was a very busy period for the CCC, as it saw the publication of no fewer than four of their statutory reports within three months: the UK’s Seventh Carbon Budget, the Scotland Carbon Budget, the Carbon Budget Methodology Report and the 2025 Progress Report on Climate Adaptation! I was able to support the team on each of these reports, and learnt so much from each of these experiences.
It was especially rewarding to see the development of the Progress Report from start to finish during my placement, and it was really gratifying to be able to take responsibility for a part of that report. As part of that work, I had the opportunity to develop several skills, including research, data analysis, and preparing presentations. I also engaged directly with key stakeholders and worked on understanding the swiftly evolving landscape of business and finance in relation to climate change.
The internships are designed to help develop transferable skills as well as give doctoral researchers experience in different working environments, and my placement absolutely fulfilled that goal. I built up experience in stakeholder engagement, policy communication, and Excel-based data modelling, enabling me to apply the analysis skills I developed over the PhD in a non-academic environment. I also gained a deeper awareness of the climate policy background in the UK, which has enhanced my understanding of how research informs real-world decision-making.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the placement was the opportunity to work collaboratively with a team of passionate and talented professionals. The CCC team was very supportive and genuinely invested in helping me shape the experience around my interests and career goals. I was (and remain!) genuinely in awe of all the work they produce as a relatively small but very dynamic organisation.
For other OOC DTP students considering a placement, I would strongly recommend it—especially if you're looking to explore careers outside of academia or want to develop a broader skill set. My advice would be to keep an open mind about where your academic background can take you and to be proactive in shaping your internship to meet your training needs.
