Daisy, Graduate Project Officer

Being accepted onto the Suffolk Partnership Graduate scheme has been a remarkable experience. After finishing my studies at the University of Lincoln in Zoology, I knew I needed to think about my future career prospects. The graduate programme seemed like a unique opportunity to diversify my skill set, particularly in project management, while also helping to make a tangible difference in my community. The chance to complete a level 4 Associate Project Manager Apprenticeship alongside the practical experience also attracted me to the scheme. 

The programme was structured into two one-year placements, with my first placement being with Suffolk County Council within the Adult Social Care team and my second placement being with West Suffolk Council within the Projects, Policy, and Performance Team. The teams I worked with were crucial in developing my project management capabilities as I was able to learn from their years of experience of working in projects. 

Highlights within these two placements include assisting care providers in applying for grants, and working on numerous projects which aimed to improve digital tools used by the public when accessing care. This enhanced my understanding of how technology can streamline services, improve accessibility, and ultimately lead to better outcomes for service users. In my second placement a specific highlight has been working on a large – scale project refurbishing a building on Haverhill Highstreet and consulting with the tenant, West Suffolk College. Other key responsibilities during the two-year scheme included coordinating monthly project reports for senior teams, serving as the primary contact for project management enquiries, and handling various project officer tasks such as stakeholder communication and maintaining various project management documentation.

The graduate programme has significantly impacted me, providing an understanding of the breadth of local government services and their impact on Suffolk. Completing both the APM PMQ Level 7 and the Level 4 Associate Project Manager Apprenticeship, alongside practical experience, has also equipped me with essential skills for managing complex projects and making meaningful community contributions. I have also developed an extensive network throughout the scheme, connecting with both staff and fellow graduates, and we have consistently supported each other throughout this journey.

Following the graduate scheme, I chose to continue my career in local government and eagerly accepted a new role as a Project Officer with Suffolk County Council. I am confident that my two years experience as a graduate project officer have been instrumental in securing this position.

In summary, I believe this scheme to be exceptionally valuable for recent graduates, as it not only teaches you vital project management skills but also provides an understanding of local government operations—an area previously unfamiliar to me. This scheme has expanded my career prospects, and I look forward to advancing my career within the Council. I highly recommend this scheme to others seeking to enhance their skills and gain meaningful insights into public sector work.