"When I first started, I would worry a lot if a project didn’t go to plan but now, I feel like I can adapt to change quickly and can find solutions when there are challenges rather than worry about them."
Name: Ellie Haden
Working at: London Borough of Barking and Dagenham
Studied: History at the University of Kent
Advice: Don’t be afraid to put yourself forward to be involved in projects you are interested in and offering to complete tasks that are needed. Also, try to organise work shadows on the front line as well as senior leadership as the graduate scheme is the perfect time to get this experience.
How have you changed? My confidence and resilience have continually improved while being on the scheme. When I first started, I would worry a lot if a project didn’t go to plan but now, I feel like I can adapt to change quickly and can find solutions when there are challenges rather than worry about them.
Favourite projects? While on the scheme I’ve been able to work on a variety of interesting projects including workforce transformation, the council’s website and a research project with a university and local schools.
What about your development? Throughout the scheme I have regularly been taken out of my comfort zone meaning my confidence and ability to manage a changing environment has developed quickly. From my first placement I was trusted with leading on projects and have been able to transfer learning onto subsequent placements.