Working at the heart of Manx politics has been described as 'the coolest job ever' by one of two interns reflecting on their year with the Office of the Clerk of Tynwald.

Emma Mellors and Holly MacRae have spent the past year supporting committees, carrying out research, contributing to Hansard and working alongside Tynwald Members, gaining a behind-the-scenes insight into the Island's parliament.

For Emma, who moved to the Isle of Man from South Africa in 2015 and attended Ballakermeen High School, the role has exceeded every expectation.

After studying Criminology and Sociology, followed by an MSc in Social Research at the University of Hull, she applied for the internship despite knowing little about Tynwald beforehand.

'I didn't know much about Tynwald, but when I saw the position advertised I thought it would be a really cool place to work,' she said.

'It's proving to be way better than I could ever have expected.

'Tynwald is very accessible and I never thought I'd have the opportunity to work so closely with Members and officers, contributing to processes that can have an impact on legislation. You're right at the heart of Isle of Man politics.'

Emma has worked as assistant clerk to three committees, helped with public tours of the chambers and supported the Hansard team, while also putting her academic research skills into practice.

'I did research for my Master's degree, so that aspect of the internship really resonated with me and I'm learning even more on the job,' she said.

'Everyone has been extremely welcoming and approachable, so I've always felt comfortable asking questions. My internship finishes in September and it's been a real privilege to be part of the team. It's been a fantastic and fun job that I'll struggle to top.'

Fellow intern Holly MacRae, originally from Scotland and a former Queen Elizabeth II High School student, completed an Open University degree in Arts and Humanities with English Literature and German before joining the programme.

She is now preparing to move into a new role in the Chief Minister's Office.

Holly said the internship had provided opportunities she never expected, from supporting committee work and providing research to helping produce Hansard records of debates in the House of Keys.

'It was hard for me to imagine I would have this level of close contact with local politicians or be involved in providing research and scrutiny support,' she said.

'Working with different teams means you're exposed to so many elements of political life.'

She particularly enjoyed leading public tours of Tynwald and said visitors were often surprised by how accessible the Island's parliament is.

Among the highlights of her year was co-authoring the research paper Royal Assent to Manx legislation and associated procedures with Clerk of Tynwald Jonathan King, as well as witnessing the King's visit to Tynwald in July.

'I think the internship has certainly boosted my self-confidence,' she said.

'Everyone has been so welcoming and helpful. They want you to succeed and develop your own strengths. If you're at a crossroads after university, I don't think there's another job that offers such variety or skills that you can take anywhere.'