A diverse graduate career: from summer work placement to diversity policy-making
When I graduated I was concerned about gaining work experience. My university careers service highlighted various summer placement opportunities, including a scheme for graduates with disabilities or from ethnic minorities. I applied and was offered an eight-week placement at the Welsh Assembly Government. I was impressed with the development opportunities available in the Civil Service and how they try to meet the needs of individual employees – so I decided to stay on the scheme while I applied for permanent government jobs. After three interviews I secured a position.
A generalist route
I was impressed with the development opportunities available in the Civil Service and how they try to meet the needs of individual employees.
I started off in finance, monitoring the day-to-day management of the division’s budget. Later I supported ministers, drafting ministerial briefings and speeches for events and attending a number of ministerial meetings. I also spent 18 months as part of a small team developing our disability and gender equality schemes. This time particularly stands out for me – it was great to work closely with colleagues across the government and Whitehall. I felt my career was starting to kick off.
Equality and diversity policy-making
Until recently, I was working to revise my employer’s method for undertaking equality impact assessment, known as inclusive policy making. As part of this, I looked at the likely positive and negative impacts of policies and practices on the wider community. I also advised civil servants across the government on how to use it to assess their policies and ensure compliance with legislation, and arranged training sessions.
My current role is in the HR department; I now develop equality and diversity policies from an employer perspective, rather than looking at the external impact. One of my key responsibilities is the annual report that shows how we’re promoting diversity within the government.
My career development has been supported by courses on skills such as speech writing and project management and on-the-job experience in a range of areas. In the future, I’ll be looking to specialise – the higher up you move, the less likely it is that you can remain a generalist – but the best thing about my work is that it’s never mundane.
Open doors with placements
The most important thing I’ve learned so far is not to dive into a situation. When presented with a problem, I try to make the most of the expertise around me by discussing issues with colleagues to find a solution. When you’re looking for your first job after graduating, be patient. Finding a permanent position can take time, but bear in mind that there are some great placements available. The value of work experience is ever-increasing. It helps you to set yourself apart from the competition – other graduates with good degrees and grades. From a year in industry as part of your studies to an eight-week placement, it’s absolutely the way forward.
Career milestones
2004 Joined Welsh Assembly Government placement scheme.
2005 Secured a permanent position.
2005–2008 Built up experience across the organisation – in the equality division supporting ministerial work and in the equalities duties team.
2008 Achieved promotion and revised equality impact assessment process.
2009 Moved to work in the HR department.
Craig Greenland is equality and diversity manager at the Welsh Assembly Government. He has a BSc in economics and management studies from Cardiff University.