Mark Tittle

Employer: Suffolk County Council
Qualifications: BA French and linguistics, University of Sheffield

I spent a year in France working as an English language assistant as part of my degree, but after working with the Local Education Authority (LEA), I soon realised that I wanted to help make the decisions that allow people to do their jobs effectively. I completed some voluntary work for Sheffield City Council and then applied to join the local government National Graduate Development Programme (NGDP).

My job

The programme allows you to complete different placements every six months in order to gain a wide range of experiences. I am currently working in the scrutiny team, looking at council decisions to check that they are in the public’s best interests. Previous placements have been in public transport, assessing the level of transport in the region and I have also worked in communications formulating strategies.

You get involved with so many different projects on the graduate scheme that each day is completely different. I have had training in disability and diversity awareness, general and specific computer and software courses and managerial training. There is also a national training element to the ngdp, which has helped me to develop soft skills, such as how to deal with people and difficult situations.

Highs and lows

Local government needs young people with new ideas so there are lots of opportunities for graduates to work on exciting and challenging projects. People are prepared to listen to you and take an interest in what you think, especially if you can offer a fresh approach. The bureaucracy is frustrating but necessary – you can’t make rash decisions. I have been offered a job in communications seven months before finishing the scheme, which is fantastic.