Graduate Consultant (Project Manager) Review

On daily basis, I monitor action logs and RAIDs log. Simultaneously, I also create reporting templates needed for governance and I support my team to do any other type of reporting required. I arrange meetings, prepare the agendas and lead he meeting when appropriate. This alongside with arranging the logistics.

Yes, I have improved my communication skills by speaking up in the meetings. This has helped me to build up my confidence. I have improved my writing skills when writing minutes. I have also improved my organisational and managerial skills. Also, I help and support the different work stream leads to solve issues or incidents when needed.

I am learning a lot and further developing my skills. it has been a great opportunity to gain experience in the project management field. Also, having the opportunity to work and study at the same time I believe is very beneficial since it helps you to maintain in a good position in such a competitive market.

I like the fact that I will be able to participate several projects across the organisation. However, I believe that there should be a better and clearer definition of the hours that are available at work to do the apprenticeship. For example, some of the pore and post work material to be completed does not seem helpful to support my work on the portfolio.

Yes, I have. The organisation, in particular my department has helped me when finding difficulties to manage time between apprenticeship and work. Also, it has provided me with some basic knowledge on PM through he intranet or by organising sessions in order to discuss doubts in relation to the apprenticeship.

The support that I receive from my training provider varies. For example, in the workshop the tutors have been us advice, however, some topics to be include n the portfolios are not covered in much detail. It would be very helpful if the workshop were organised with less time in between, or if a some test was organised to check the understanding of the material.

It is helping me to understand the different aspect of being a PM. So far, it has helped me to better understand the reasons for carrying out a project, the advantages of governance and the importance of having a strong business case. Yet, I have not finished it so I still need to understand how the rest of the workshops add value.

Yes, my organisation has organised several extra-curricular activities. For example, they have organised one town hall event. This was very useful for networking and for getting to know what the other employees within my department do. Another example are the lunch and learn sessions. This are smaller and therefore this facilitates discussion.

Yes

I would highly recommend Santander to a friend of mine as a employer because it will give him/her the opportunity to develop in their role. Also, it will support him/her to improve skills and to also gain more knowledge like understanding of the essential elements of project management.

If I had to give advice to others when applying to Santander I would tell them to not be afraid of disagreeing with someone as long as you justify for opinion. This I believe is a strong desire within the business because it shows your personal interest and that you are able to critically analyse a situation.