Salman R.
About me
| Salman R. | |
| Politics | |
| Politics with International Relations | |
| Undergraduate | |
| Langwith | |
| 2019 | |
| United Kingdom |
My employment
| National Management Trainee | |
| Local Government Association | |
| United Kingdom | |
| Government and civil service | |
| Large business (250+ employees) | |
| 2020 |
More about Salman
Like this profile?
Add this profile to your favourites so you can return to it later from your account.
A day in the life of a National Management Trainee in the United Kingdom
Even if you have your mind made up on a particular career path or sector, it is always worth undertaking work opportunities in other environments
Briefly describe the organisation you work for
The Local Government Association is a national membership body for councils and local authorities across the country. The LGA work on behalf of councils, to provide them a voice to national government and to influence and lead the political agenda to resolve national issues through local solutions.
What do you do?
In my role as a National Management Trainee on the National Graduate Development Programme, I rotate between several placements, divided into Policy and Improvement. In policy, my role is to collaborate with local councils to convey their concerns and views at a national level in policy-making on issues as broad as health and social care to economic growth.
In Improvement, the role involves working with councils to improve their services, by drawing on other local authorities' best practice and expertise, which will also include providing training and development for councillors and officers.
Reflecting upon your past employment and education, what led you to your current career choice?
Prior to university, I had been keen on public service and the public sector in general, through studying Politics at university as well as identifying internship opportunities that are presented in abundance at careers fairs and departmental presentations, I was drawn towards working in the civil service or local government. However, in my first and second year I was also determined to experience other sectors before determining if this was the best interests I had and use of my skills.
Again, utilising opportunities presented by career specific societies such as Law Society and Investment and Finance Society, I was able to work in legal and professional services environments. These were both confirmatory experiences as well as a chance to practice and develop skills in a different environment.
Ultimately this allowed me to understand what skills I enjoyed using in the working environment (notably project management and research) which helped me find a great choice with the LGA.
Is your current job sector different from what you thought you would enter when you graduated?
Not particularly, as mentioned above I did have a pre-existing interest in work within government, whether that was central or local. The biggest differences will emerge when you are working and the opportunities that you are presented with compared to your understanding of an organisation or role from researching before applying.
Describe your most memorable day at work
Being able to hit the ground running and contribute to a report on the work being conducted for a big committee hearing on social justice.
What extracurricular activities did you undertake at university and what transferable skills did you develop through these?
I was fortunate to be involved in a variety of activities, each helping hone different skill sets from being the Langwith College Student Association as a Sports Officer to captaining the hockey team, there were plenty of opportunities to bring about your ideas into practice and work with others who shared similar ambitions. Being immersed in societies such as the ones mentioned above, were also critical in building networks and learning from other's experiences in different working environments.
What top tips do you have for York students preparing for today’s job market and life after graduation?
Even if you have your mind made up on a particular career path or sector, it is always worth undertaking work opportunities in other environments, not only to identify any hidden talents and interests you may have but also to continue to develop and learn new skills that will help you put your best foot forward when applying for a graduate role and beyond, when working in a particular job.
What topics from students are you happy to answer questions on?
Anything from identifying opportunities such as insight schemes and internships and the skills needed across the application process, to providing help with utilising existing university resources from the careers department to careers orientated societies and much more!
Next steps...
If you like the look of Salman’s profile, the next steps are down to you! You can send Salman a message to find out more about their career journey. If you feel you would benefit from more in-depth conversations, ask Salman to be your mentor.