Kitt Holohan
BA Geography with Year Abroad, University of Birmingham
Why I applied
I applied for the Scheme because it felt like a perfect match for my skills, interests and career goals. I already knew that I would like to work in Higher Education management after working part-time as a Student Fundraiser for the University’s Development and Alumni Relations Office but I wasn’t sure in which particular area I’d like to specialise. The Graduate Management Training Scheme was the ideal way to start a career in this sector because the way it is structured provided the opportunity to get involved with, and gain an understanding of, many different areas.
Highlights
The past year has been full of highlights including contributing to the University’s partnership with the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, sharing my new-found knowledge of automation with teams across the University, sitting on an interview panel and working on University-wide projects. However, I have found being welcomed into so many teams and the great working relationships I have built through this to be the key highlight.
Support
The support we have as Graduate Trainees has been wonderful. Throughout the 2 years, we are individually mentored by a senior member of the University and I’ve found that relationship to be an invaluable source of advice and help.
We have supervisors in each placement and they have continued to support me even when I’ve moved on to the next project so I always have somebody to turn to.
We also buddy up with other trainees, so not only do we benefit from the support of those ahead of us on the Scheme but we can also support others which creates a great network of past and current trainees.
Finally, providing consistent support throughout, we have the Manager of the Graduate Management Training Scheme who has oversight of all our placements and our learning and development progress.