It was exactly what I was after as someone who didn’t know what area to go into as it provides such a varied hands-on experience and helps shape the communities you work with.
University: University of Edinburgh
Degree: Immunology
Year of graduation: 2020
Current Council: London Borough of Barking and Dagenham
Current role: 1st placement in Children’s Social Care Commissioning
What first inspired you to apply to NGDP?
I first heard about the NGDP when applying for public sector roles and graduate schemes. It was exactly what I was after as someone who didn’t know what area to go into as it provides such a varied hands-on experience and helps shape the communities you work with.
How much did you know about the NGDP before you applied?
If I am honest, really not that much! An immunology background hasn’t given me much insight into the political world or the inner workings of government. The NGDP website was a great help alongside the forums accessible throughout the application process.
What was the recruitment process like?
Would it be 2020 if I didn’t say that the recruitment process was ‘unprecedented’! The NGDP was really supportive throughout the whole process particularly when my in-person assessment centre was cancelled (due to Covid restrictions). The online interview process ran smoothly and tech support was always available. The NGDP were particularly supportive of my learning difficulty, factoring extra time and support for each stage of the interview process.
What would be your advice to people thinking about applying to NGDP?
Listen to podcasts and look at think tanks such as LGiU, King’s Fund, and IfG. The summaries they offer really highlight some of the most pressing issues for local authorities! If, like me, government is anything but familiar, ask your flatmates, your friends, anyone with the background, to try understanding policy and how it all works and fits together!
