More than work experience: Life as a Legal Research Intern for The Open University

Did you think that internships were just about observation? My internship at The Open University is teaching me what it means to contribute, not just watch.

I never expected a sixteen-week placement to make me feel truly part of a national research programme.

From the first week of the Parental Pathways: Advancing Inclusivity and Sustainability in UK Policing and Beyond project, I was trusted with work that matters. Deadlines and responsibilities have made me feel part of the team, and the experience quickly became about participating, contributing, and discovering what legal research can really involve.

Working with evidence that matters

The Parental Pathways team is conducting a national benchmarking exercise comparing how police forces approach maternity, from pregnancy to return to work. This work aims to support staff and improve policies, and it requires careful survey design, accurate datasets, and disciplined engagement with evidence.

During my internship, I drafted a response to a formal call for evidence. Every claim had to be firmly anchored in research, and deciding what was relevant tested my judgement. Balancing depth with clarity under a strict word limit drew on the skills I developed during my law degree. The most rewarding part was presenting the research in a way that honoured its quality and ensured the findings were valued. The evidence had to be communicated clearly, accurately, and persuasively so it could genuinely influence practice.

Translating research into practice

A major part of my role involves turning research findings into practical resources for policing professionals. I produce documents guiding staff through maternity stages, keeping them accurate, accessible, and easy to understand. I draw on my existing skills in visual design and content creation to transform complex research into engaging and varied resources. Each document presents the evidence accurately while making it immediately accessible and usable for busy professionals. Being trusted to shape how findings are communicated externally is incredibly rewarding and demonstrates my ability to combine analytical precision with creative presentation.

Students wondering whether broader skills have a place in research should take note: the ability to translate evidence into engaging, accessible formats is invaluable.

Shaping a learning resource

Another responsibility was reviewing and proofreading an OpenLearn bespoke course derived from previous findings. My contribution went beyond grammar. Drawing on my recent experience as a law student, I considered the sequencing of content, the variety of activities, the flow between sections, and areas where repetition could be reduced to maintain engagement.

The Open University research environment encourages interns to offer thoughtful critique. Perspective is valued and suggestions are welcomed. Contributing to a training resource reinforced how research can extend beyond academic journals into professional development.

The detail behind credible research

Not every task carries a headline, yet each is useful. I have validated datasets, checked and updated contact information before issuing communications for the benchmarking study, and reviewed survey questions for clarity and grammar prior to distribution. In the coming weeks, I will attend training courses and seminars discussing other research projects, and assist with analysing incoming benchmarking data. These experiences give me a real sense of how research combines careful attention to detail with practical application, and how every step contributes to producing work that is accurate, reliable, and ready to make an impact.

Choosing breadth and gaining perspective

At the start of the internship, I was given a choice between focusing narrowly on one strand of work or gaining exposure to multiple aspects of the project. I chose breadth, and that decision has allowed me to see the full lifecycle of research. I observed how initial study findings informed survey design, how evidence submission progressed to training materials, and how data validation supported external engagement.

Attending training sessions and seminars related to other research projects will help me situate my work within a wider academic context. This breadth is invaluable, providing clarity about strengths and highlighting areas for further development.

A culture that confirms your direction

The culture of the internship is one of the most significant aspects of the experience. I feel part of the team. My work is reviewed carefully, and my suggestions are taken seriously. I have not been given peripheral tasks simply because I am an intern. Being treated as a contributor has sharpened my skills and clarified the work I want to pursue long term.

This internship has done more than develop skills; it is making me feel alive. As someone who is largely housebound due to my disability, the opportunity to contribute to meaningful national research has been extraordinary. I feel productive, challenged, and part of something greater than myself. Each document I draft and each dataset I check reminds me that I can influence the world beyond my immediate surroundings. The connection to the wider professional world has been invaluable, not only for my career but also for my sense of purpose and belonging. I’m heartbroken that this experience has a final day

Why I am seeking to continue in research

The internship inspired me to begin my Master’s in Crime and Justice sooner than planned, simply to get closer to becoming a qualified researcher. Being part of a live project shows me how rewarding legal research can be, from careful drafting to ensuring data is accurate and turning complex findings into clear, useful resources.

For students reading this, my choice to pursue further research shows the true value of these internships. They do more than enhance a CV; they let you test your abilities against meaningful work. For me, this placement has made one thing clear: research is not just something I can do, it is something I am driven to do, something I want with all of my heart, energy and focus.

That combination of rigour and real-world impact is exactly where I want to remain. I am now seeking legal research roles and would love the chance to contribute to projects where careful analysis, clear communication, and thoughtful engagement matter.

Rebecca Tyler-Squires

I am a Legal Research Intern with a first-class law degree from The Open University, driven by curiosity and evidence-based work. I research complex topics for social media and Substack, turning them into clear, accessible content across spreadsheets, slides, and visual formats.

Before studying law, I spent seven years in accounting and tax, including business tax advising and running my own small business. This strengthened my analytical and communication skills. I later trained as an adult tutor, teaching Microsoft packages and accounting, which helped me develop structured ways of explaining complex ideas.

My route into law has been non‑traditional. As someone with a disability, I have faced barriers to traditional roles, but research has been a consistent part of my studies and content creation, and it is where my strengths lie. The flexibility of research roles also makes them sustainable for me.

Through my online work, I have developed a strong interest in social issues, discrimination, and human rights. The Open University has been transformative, and I hope to continue contributing through research, study or learning design.