Sean Benstead - Researcher at The Centre for Local Economic Strategies (CLES)

Tell us about your current role and what it involves

I'm a researcher for the Centre for Local Economic Strategies (CLES). CLES is a progressive "think-do" tank that carries out research and consultations for local authorities on how to build community wealth through interrogating questions of where local wealth goes, who gets it and who creates it.

CLES has had a key role in the development of the 'Preston Model', among many other success stories.

How did you find this job?

Word of mouth, through my voluntary activism and campaigning work.

What do you enjoy about your job the most?

Every day I am learning something new, wrestling with interesting and topical research questions that are implementation-focused. The projects I work on affect policy-making and can have exciting outcomes in localities around the UK.

What skills that you learnt at university have you been able to apply in your role? 

Research, writing and critical thinking skills are all important for my role, as is being able to build convincing arguments and proposals. While these skills were all a key focus of the course material, these skills were further strengthened and developed while being embedded into campus and community activism and campaigns.