Ciaran's experience

I joined the Suffolk Graduate Partnership Scheme in September 2024 after graduating from the University of Lincoln in May 2024 with a degree in Social Policy and Sociology. After I completed my degree, I arranged a work experience placement for myself at the City of Lincoln Council. I was placed in the Corporate Policy and Transformation team where I was tasked with completing a project focused on developing creative strategies to consult and engage young people in the council’s work. This placement opened my eyes to a career in local government and when I saw the graduate scheme back in my home county of Suffolk advertised, I thought it would be a great opportunity to kick-start my career and also give back to the community I grew up in.

My first placement on the scheme as a Graduate Project Officer was at West Suffolk Council in the Policy, Projects and Performance Team. I provided project support for the coordination and delivery of numerous projects on this placement. My main piece of work was leading on the coordination of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) programme which was money that we were given by central government that we spent on projects focused on supporting small businesses, grassroots sports clubs and community groups. This work was really rewarding as I got to see money being spent on small projects which were providing a huge benefit to my local area. Getting to lead on the implementation of the Capital Sports Fund which saw grassroots sports club receive money to buy new equipment was the highlight of my work in this area. I also supported the Simpler Recycling service change programme which saw recycling service for West Suffolk transformed as well as numerous placemaking and built environment projects.

After a year, I was moved over to my second placement at Suffolk County Council where I was posted in the Programme Management Office for the Growth, Highways and Infrastructure Directorate of the council where my work was focused on supporting the council in responding to Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) such as solar farms and pylon routes. My role involved consulting with experts such as archaeologists and ecologists to ensure that proposed developments would have a limited impact on the local area and communities and provide as much benefit as possible. In this placement, I also worked with the Economic Development team to identify what the local labour market demand would be for new infrastructure projects such as Sizewell to see if the skills the area could provide were suitable.

Whilst on the graduate scheme, I successfully completed a Level 4 Associate Project Manager Apprenticeship. This qualification was really beneficial as it allowed me to deepen by understanding of the theories and practices of project management which were underlying my day-to-day work and it also helped me improve my work and develop new skills which I could apply.

Some of the many highlights of my time on the graduate scheme include a tour of the Houses of Parliament, the numerous professional development sessions we attended and getting to build great friendships with my fellow graduates.

Towards the end of my time on the graduate scheme, I was offered a full-time permanent role back at West Suffolk Council back in my old team and I am now working as a Policy and Projects Advisor where I support the delivery of the council’s priority projects, policies and strategies. My work is primarily focused on the implementation of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) where I lead on the internal Programme Management Office function for West Suffolk’s contributions to LGR. In my wider role, I am also the Safeguarding Lead for my directorate.

Reflecting on my time on the graduate scheme, I am really grateful for all the opportunities I have been given and for the constant invaluable support I have received from my placement managers, teams and the Suffolk Graduate Partnership partners. The scheme has been incredibly beneficial for my professional and personal development and I would highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in starting a career in the public sector as it has provided me with a brilliant foundation to build upon.