Whilst I have read a multitude of books and papers on this the aspect of Professor Campbell’s job whereby she meets real people who face the challenges I’ve only read about in books.
Evie, Work Experience Student
24 April 2026
Exploring Politics, Representation, and Academic Careers at King's
An insight week exploring the power and influence of women in political representation.
Professor Rosie Campbell from the Department of Political Economy recently hosted a work experience week with Evie, a Year 12 student at Rushcliffe Spencer Academy, who has an interest in academia and politics. The week offered Evie the opportunity to explore political representation through the lived experiences of women working across politics and academia, highlighting the diverse pathways that lead individuals into politics.
Evie first met with Joyce Watson, a Welsh Labour politician and Member of the Senedd (MS) from 2007 to 2026. Joyce shared her personal journey into politics, from her early childhood as the daughter of a teenage mother, defying setbacks and embarking on a successful political career. Now a senior member of the Welsh Government’s Gender Budget Group, her story shows how resilience, determination, and self-confidence play a defining role in shaping political leadership.
Evie was later introduced to Ljiljana, a former student who shared her experiences of growing up and studying under a politically oppressive government. While Evie had previously encountered these realities through academic reading, hearing first-hand accounts brought a greater understanding of the motivations behind political activism.
Alongside these discussions, Evie also gained insight into studying politics at university. By attending a comparative politics lecture and seminar, she experienced university learning first-hand, challenging her preconceived ideas of higher education as a purely lecture-based environment. She also learned more about the day-to-day role of academics, including the importance of research funding and grants in shaping innovative and impactful political research.
Overall, the insight week offered an in-depth introduction to both academic life and political practice, emphasising the value of female representation in politics. The experience demonstrated how academia can play a vital role in inspiring and supporting the next generation of political thinkers.
Work experience weeks are actively encouraged as part of the School’s widening participation strategy. If you’re a staff, prospective student or school group and you’d like to learn more, contact spe@kcl.ac.uk.