I started the Steer Graduate Scheme after completing my degree in Biological Sciences, so I was a bit worried that I could be out of my depth joining a consultancy focusing on transport! However, it quickly became apparent that the training offered within the graduate scheme, in addition to wider learning and development opportunities within the company, would be able to help me in any areas I felt I needed.
Having recently finished the scheme, I feel that my industry knowledge and consultancy skills have vastly improved over the course of the programme. With training weeks staggered, it offers the opportunity to apply skills on-the-job that you have learned in training sessions, as well as providing you with the opportunity to focus on training areas that are more relevant to the market area that you are involved in.
The training that I have particularly benefited from has definitely been the multiple sessions dedicated to improving personal presentation skills. I’d never really been much of a public speaker before joining Steer, but thanks to the sessions offered in the graduate scheme and the opportunities to present to different groups of peers as your skills progress, I now have the confidence to take opportunities which I may not have put myself forward for before. I have been fortunate enough to speak at two of the Movement Matters events held by Steer, presenting to crowds of industry experts about the incredible work we do at Steer.
I feel that the graduate scheme has been integral to my successful start (and hopefully my future!) at Steer. I have spoken to members of my cohort every day since I started at Steer and knowing that I have them around for help or advice if I ever need it really makes a difference. The skills that it has provided me has greatly supplemented my work and enabled me to contribute to the incredibly interesting and important work that we do.