I was keen to pursue a career in which I would be able to make a tangible, positive impact on people’s lives.
University: University of Warwick
Degree: Philosophy, Politics and Economics
Year of graduation: 2019
Current Council: Westminster
Current role: Digital Engagement Officer (Smart Cities)
What first inspired you to apply to NGDP?
Having studied PPE at university, I was keen to pursue a career in which I would be able to contribute to strategic decision-making in the public sector and make a tangible and positive impact on people’s lives.
Devolution has ensured that the majority of decisions affecting our day-to-day lives are made locally, and given its proximity to the people it governs, local government is the best-placed institution to engender a genuine difference in people’s lives.
How much did you know about the NGDP before you applied?
I came across the NGDP on the Times Top 100 Graduate employers list, and as it really interested me, I did as much research as I could on it before I applied. The NGDP stories were particularly useful as they showcased the huge variety of work that National Management Trainees can get involved in, and the passion of those who have completed the scheme really came through.
What was the recruitment process like?
The recruitment process felt as though it was teasing out and substantiating motivations for applying, and genuine passion for working in Local Government. There were helpful online information days and Q&A opportunities with current National Management Trainees, and I found the NGDP BAME network to be really supportive as well in the final stages. It didn’t feel as though there was a stage that tried to catch you out.
What would be your advice to people thinking about applying to NGDP?
Even if you don’t have a fixed idea of exactly what you want to do, but know that you want to do something fulfilling and challenging that is ever-evolving, where you can make a positive impact on people’s lives, then the NGDP could well be for you. The structure of the NGDP is such that you can really tailor it to your own interests. Think about what areas you might want to work in, and crucially, why you want to work in those and local government more generally. What skills or experiences do you have that can help you contribute to solving some of the challenges that local government faces?
