Charlotte, Graduate Project Officer

After completing my BSc in Business Management at the University of East Anglia in 2022, I joined the Suffolk Partnership Graduate Scheme. This decision was influenced by my positive experience on the Internship Programme, also hosted by the Suffolk Partnership, in 2021, which I undertook during my second year of university. The internship opened my eyes to the fascinating world of local government, sparking my interest and ultimately leading me to apply for the graduate scheme.

Prior to joining the programme, I wasn’t sure what career I wanted to go into. The graduate scheme appealed to me as an opportunity to explore various aspects of local government and gain insights into potential future roles and career pathways. Over the course of two years, I completed two year-long placements within the Housing Information and Governance team at East Suffolk Council and the HR Recruitment team at Suffolk County Council.

Throughout the programme, I was involved in eighteen different projects, some of which I had the privilege of managing. These projects were accompanied by day-to-day responsibilities that made me feel like an integral part of both of the teams that I worked with. Some of my key achievements included creating and launching a new careers website, developing and establishing a work experience cohort programme, implementing a text messaging solution for landlord services, and revising an internal policy.

An additional benefit of the graduate scheme was the opportunity to undertake the Level 4 Associate Project Manager apprenticeship alongside my full-time role. This aspect of the programme allowed me to earn two qualifications: the APM PMQ (Project Management Qualification) and the Level 4 apprenticeship itself. The organisations that I was placed in provided me with ample support to complete the apprenticeship within the recommended 18-month timeframe, demonstrating their commitment to professional development. 

The scheme provided me with invaluable experiences and helped me discover my love and passion for helping people. This realisation led me to accept a role at the end of the programme that allows me to help and support members of my local community, particularly focusing on NEETs (individuals not in employment, education, or training).

Reflecting on my experience, I found the graduate scheme to be immensely beneficial. The opportunity to work on diverse projects, the support that I received, and the faith placed in my abilities were all instrumental in my personal and professional growth. I am deeply grateful for these aspects of the programme.

I wholeheartedly recommend this scheme. It offers a unique chance to explore various areas of local government while developing a wide range of skills. The programme equipped me with the tools and experiences necessary to make a meaningful impact in my community and gave me the confidence in my knowledge and skillsets to start a successful career.