Clovis

Project: Environment and Regeneration – 2012 Games

After my MA in Environment and Development, I worked for an international charity for six months. I knew I wanted to do something that would benefit the public rather than just bring money to a company, but before going to a Guardian Live Careers Fair and meeting people on the ngdp, I’d never considered local government – I’d supposed it would be dull and boring.

However, after meeting scheme members at the fair, I changed my mind. They said they were enjoying their jobs and working at a high level on interesting projects - and they were right. The support, the Warwick diploma (which I wouldn’t have been able to afford without the ngdp) and the fact I’ve been able to move around and get a range of experiences during the two years have all been real pluses.

My friends in the voluntary sector are fulfilling their passion but feel frustrated by low wages and limited career prospects. My friends in the private sector, especially in the City, earn more but don’t get the satisfaction that comes helping others. Also they don’t get to study while working, at least not at this stage in their careers.

The ngdp recruitment process was very challenging - they put a lot of effort into testing us and making the right choice. I remember coming out of the assessment centre exhausted but thinking that, even if I didn’t get through, I’d been challenged in a way that showed what I was capable of.

During my first placement, with Children’s Services, I helped organise an inspectors’ visit to one of our most deprived neighbourhoods. They wanted to experience some of our services from the young users’ points of view. Although there was the temptation for our management to organise the tour themselves, I argued otherwise: the young people themselves should choose the route and itinerary. This proved very fruitful. The inspectors learned a lot more, and the young people felt enthusiastic, empowered and engaged.

My current placement has me focused on the 2012 Games. Starting with a blank sheet, I’ve helped the authority gain a clear vision of what the Games can (and can’t) do for Redbridge. I’ve also brought all our partners onboard and established nine working groups, one for each of the areas of work the Games reach into - from sports and culture to tourism and business development.

My work life balance, at the moment, is suffering due to dissertation and essay pressure. When the Warwick work’s quieter, it’s great. I enjoy flexible working, which allows me to take more days off than my entitled annual leave, and I can work from home when it’s appropriate.

You’ll be amazed at the range of projects you can get involved in. I never thought I’d work on the 2012 Games. Similarly I never thought I’d work on sports development, or learn about tourism or what’s really involved in supporting local business and enterprise.