Sophie, Graduate Project Officer

I joined the Suffolk Graduate Scheme in September 2022 after graduating from the University of Exeter with a degree in Politics and International Relations. Upon deciding I would like to work in local government, I discovered the Suffolk Partnership’s Graduate Scheme which stood out to me as it provides the opportunity to experience the workings of both county and district councils while gaining a project management qualification. Despite not being from the county, I made the decision to relocate to Suffolk and join the scheme. My first placement was in the SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) and Inclusion Team in the Children and Young Peoples department within Suffolk County Council. In September 2023, I started my second year-long placement in the Communities Team at Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils.

Throughout the scheme I have worked on 12 projects, five of which I have taken the lead on and managed. Some of these projects include rolling out a setting readiness tool to all schools in the county, managing the day-to-day tasks of delivering the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme within Babergh and Mid Suffolk, and organising the district council’s annual community fun days. My most rewarding project has certainly been implementing a provision from the concept phase to improve the lives and wellbeing of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), allowing them to achieve their potential whilst promoting social connections and removing barriers to inclusion.

Alongside my daily role as a Graduate Project Officer, I also successfully completed two project management qualifications: a Level 7 Associate Project Management Project Management qualification, and a Level 4 Associate Project Manager Apprenticeship. These qualifications equipped me with a structured approach to planning, organizing, and executing projects, as well as deepening my understanding of various project management components such as timelines, budgets, and risk management. Both my teams have been incredibly supportive whilst I have taken my study time and as a result, my ability to deliver projects efficiently and effectively has significantly improved.

One of my highlights of the programme has been the opportunity to give back to the community through volunteering days. I particularly enjoyed volunteering at a community farm which offers a safe, supportive outdoor learning environment for young individuals with SEND and their families. It was incredibly rewarding to see first-hand the impact this has on their mental wellbeing. Another highlight has been making friends with the other graduates on the programme. Having a strong support network of people going through similar experiences has been invaluable. I am grateful for all the connections I have made, and I have no doubt we will all be staying in touch.

This scheme has exceeded my expectations. It has equipped me with valuable skills and experiences that I'm eager to leverage in my future career. Specifically, it has consolidated my passion to continue developing my project management skills, particularly in the sphere of improving the lives and education of children and young people with SEND. After taking some time out to travel, I am looking forward to continuing my career in local government.

The programme has been a fantastic opportunity for me to develop both personally and professionally. I'm grateful for the friendships I've made along the way, and I would highly recommend this programme to anyone interested in a rewarding career in local government.