We spoke to three of those coming to the end of their placements, to find out about their achievements, what they’d say to others thinking about joining the scheme and their hopes for the future. 

What has been one of the most important skills/lessons you have learnt on placement? 

Dhrew: I significantly enhanced my IT literacy skills and improved my requirements analysis skills, learning how to engage in requirements engineering, and using learnt project management tools to manage and prioritise important project requirements. 

Jamie: As someone almost entirely unfamiliar with coding/computer science, working for a software business was very daunting. However, I was quickly able to learn the importance of accepting what I would not need to understand, and instead focusing on getting to grips with my projects and the overall strategy of the organisation.

Michelle: I learnt not to put myself in a box. This placement made me come out of my comfort zone, confront my own misconceptions and made me realise I can do whatever I want to do and the only person who can stop me is me.  

Can you tell me about a highlight or proud achievement from your placement? 

Dhrew: My proudest achievement was delivering on a website project from scratch with limited web development experience. This website proved to be pivotal for the long-term success of Coventry Food Network, enabling them to promote their outreach to the wider public, as well as helping donors easily contribute to their cause. 

 Jamie: One of my proudest achievements was being able to quickly get up to speed with MSL's project management software, which I had not encountered before, and begin to recommend changes to simplify the process for colleagues. This allowed me to see myself having a tangible impact, early on in the placement.  

Michelle: One of the major things I achieved while at White Chalk was creating an employee handbook for new starters. They have a lot of systems that new starters need to learn, and it can be overwhelming when you first start. Being able to leave a legacy like that, which isn’t just for me but for anyone who follows after me, was an amazing achievement. 

What would you say to someone else thinking about applying for the scheme? 

 Dhrew: If you are looking to develop your project management skills, and work on a few interesting internal and external projects, along with learning through leadership development programmes and undertaking a respected project management qualification, this is the scheme for you! It has had a substantial impact on the way I operate and has enabled me to take learnings from multiple different projects to mold me into the person I am today.  

Jamie: Go for it! In my experience, Warwick has been an incredible, supportive, and exciting place to work. The scheme is designed to push and develop you, recognising your individuality and tailoring the experience to each graduate management trainee. If you’re even a little bit tempted – read about the scheme, reach out, and make sure you apply!  

Michelle: I would recommend this scheme to anyone who is looking for a way to figure out what they want to do next. It gives you a chance to find out what you like and don’t like, find out what you’re good at or what you might need work on, and then build from all of that to find out exactly what it is you want, need, and will enjoy from a job and a career.  

What’s next? 

Dhrew: Great question! I would certainly like to operate within a project-related role and specialise in the professional services area. I believe there is a lot of potential for improvement and growth. I look forward to seeing if any opportunities present themselves internally! In the meantime, I will be working on my current Compliance & Assurance related project.  

Jamie: My plan is to stay at Warwick after the scheme, to build on everything I have learned and achieved. I have now returned to the University and will now be completing my final placement in the Strategy Group, looking at Policy and Public Affairs. 

The great benefit of the scheme is variety, so over the next few months, I will be reflecting on all my past placements to help me work out what kind of role I want, where my skills are and what I enjoy the most.  

Michelle: Well, I don’t want to jinx it, but I’d love to work at Warwick in a people or student-facing role. I’m hoping to stay on in one of the teams and build out on my work here. It’s a wonderful place to work, and I’m not quite ready to leave it. 

Barring that, I would love to keep exploring the Higher Education space - HE institutions have a lot of power between them, and I think that can be used to shape the world we live in and make it a more equitable and fairer place for all.