If you would like to find out more information about the Loughborough Graduate Programme, check out the dedicated website which has a list of useful FAQs as well as a candidate pack and job description. The closing date for applications is Wednesday 26 February.
We caught up with current trainee Dr Jenna Townend to find out more about her experience of the scheme and what her top tips would be for someone looking to apply.
What made you apply for the Graduate Management Scheme?
I applied for the scheme already having a pretty firm sense of my long-term professional goals within higher education. I could see that it would provide an environment where I could use and develop my existing skills and gain concentrated, intensive experience in a wide range of areas that would have otherwise taken me much longer to accumulate.
In addition, whilst women are generally underrepresented in senior leadership roles across HEIs, the number of women in senior roles within Loughborough’s Professional Services – and the opportunities I now have to learn from them – was a key factor in wanting to build the early part of my career at Loughborough.
What was your background prior to this (eg degree, any extracurricular activities etc.)?
I completed my PhD in English Literature at Loughborough in September 2017. During my PhD, I worked as a University Teacher and was involved in several teaching-related projects as a Research Assistant.
Before starting my current role, I also worked as a consultant for a year. When it comes to extracurricular activities, friends and colleagues know that I am an avid reader and have a penchant for running peculiarly long distances.
What has been the most valuable thing you’ve learnt so far on the programme?
The power of being versatile and adaptable. More broadly, the scheme has made me even more of an advocate for helping doctoral researchers to realise how truly transferable their skillsets can be.
What have you enjoyed about the programme?
The thing I have most enjoyed has been the breadth and complexity of the work that I’ve been able to undertake and, linked to that, the range of colleagues that I have worked with. The opportunities to work directly with, and learn from, the University’s most senior leaders have also been invaluable.
What would you say to a student or staff member who is considering whether to apply for the scheme?
Do it! I would particularly encourage postgraduate students (either PGT or PGR) and staff members to consider applying. The chances are that you might already know that a career in higher education is what you want, or you have an idea as to which parts of higher education you are most excited by.
This scheme will not only give you a chance to broaden your existing experience, but it will also develop your knowledge at an accelerated rate and challenge you to work and think in different ways.
Do you have any tips for anyone during the application process?
My top three tips would be:
- If you have clear goals for what you want to achieve within and beyond the scheme, don’t be afraid to be honest about that both in the relevant part of your application and at interview.
- Have confidence in what you as an individual have to offer.
- Don’t be scared of the Assessment Centre; it’s nothing to be afraid of!