Zainab Naaem is a first-year student, currently studying Law & Anthropology at the London School of Economics. Zainab is passionate about social impact, having previously been involved with influential public sector initiatives through her volunteer work with First Give, tackling issues such as homelessness and knife crime, which shaped her curiosity and passion for public sector work. She joined the 31ten team between June and July in 2025 and supported the Investment, Growth & Economy team. Before Zainab headed off to enjoy the rest of her summer break and her second year at uni, we sat down to discuss her internship experience with 31ten.
How did you come across the opportunity to intern with 31ten?
I came across this opportunity through the Mitchell Family Programme at my university. This is a unique programme where you have the opportunity to apply for internships with UK charities and SMEs that are dedicated to making a social impact. There were many internships offered across different fields, but I chose to only apply to 31ten because the company aligns closely with my ambitions as a student of Law & Anthropology. I’m particularly interested in how systems, whether legal, bureaucratic or digital, shape people’s everyday experiences. 31ten’s work with councils and public institutions offered a unique chance to explore how strategic decisions are made behind the scenes.
What were your expectations going into the internship?
I didn’t have many fixed expectations going in, for two reasons. Firstly, this was my first internship experience. Secondly, consulting was a completely new field to me, and I only had a basic understanding of what it involved. However, after reading through 31ten’s website beforehand, I noticed the company had worked on some exciting and meaningful projects, so I hoped I’d get the chance to contribute to something similar. I’m happy to say that my expectations were more than exceeded. I had the opportunity to work on two genuinely interesting projects and gain insight into work that has a real-world impact.
Was anything different to how you expected it to be?
I was pleasantly surprised by how flexible the working culture was at 31ten. There was a clear understanding that people have lives outside of work, whether that means starting a bit later and finishing later, or balancing work with childcare or other commitments. It made the environment feel very human. I also hadn’t realised how geographically diverse the team would be. Consultants were based across the UK, which made it feel like a truly modern and connected workplace.
What have you learnt whilst interning with 31ten?
I’ve developed a combination of soft and hard skills during my time at 31ten. On the soft skills side, my time management significantly improved. Working across multiple projects meant I had to think carefully about how to prioritise tasks and manage my workload independently. I also became more confident in professional settings, particularly when contributing to team discussions or asking questions in meetings.
On the hard skills side, I picked up practical experience using Excel for data handling and organisation, learned how to put together structured project plans, and improved my notetaking when attending client calls. I also developed stronger research skills, particularly when working to understand unfamiliar policy areas or local government structures. These are skills I know I’ll carry forward into both my degree and any future roles.
What did you enjoy most from your time with 31ten?
Definitely the people. I really enjoyed being able to speak with so many different team members about their career journeys. Everyone was open, friendly, and willing to share advice or answer questions. It helped demystify the consulting world and gave me a clearer sense of the different paths that can lead to this kind of work.
Is there anything from your experience here that you will take forward into your studies / future career ambitions?
100%. The internship helped me refine my research skills, particularly in terms of being able to quickly understand complex systems, policies, or service areas. I’ve learned how to approach unfamiliar topics with a clear, structured method, which will be valuable both academically and professionally.
Beyond that, I gained a deeper understanding of how local councils operate – from decision-making processes to how public services are commissioned, improved, and delivered. This has deepened my interest in how law, policy, and governance interact in practice, especially within public sector contexts.
What advice would you give to anyone else about to embark on a consulting internship?
Don’t feel like you need to know everything beforehand. Curiosity goes a long way. Ask questions, take notes, and be open to learning from everyone around you. Also, be confident in your perspective. Even as an intern, your input can be valuable, especially when it comes to user experience and fresh insights. And finally, be proactive: if there’s a particular area you’re interested in, ask if you can get involved or learn more. The internship is what you make of it.
You can connect with Zainab to continue to follow her career journey here: Zainab Naeem