What Really Happens at a GROW Your Future Insight Day?

Posted on by Colette Foster

A group of students networking with Civil Service staff in a professional office environment.

Colette Foster is a final year French Studies and Geography student. After she graduates, Colette hopes to work in the public sector where she can see the positive impact of her work. Colette is also interested in sustainability and climate policy.

What better way to show you what it’s like to attend a GROW Your Future insight day than for me to take you through my recent trip to the Civil Service offices in Manchester? Come along as we discover more about the organisation and take part in activities to get to know the Civil Service and its employees better.

Activity 1- Introduction:

We were greeted in the conference room by a Lancaster University alumna who now works in the Civil Service. He gave us an insightful and succinct presentation into what the Civil Service actually is and the work that it does for the country. Comprising 24 ministerial departments and 20 non-ministerial departments, the role of the Civil Service is to design and deliver legislation that aligns with the government’s plan for the country.

Activity 2- Introduction to the Fast Stream and Policy Exercise:

The Fast Stream is the Civil Service’s flagship graduate scheme, that allows you to try out different departments on a rotational basis. You apply for a specific pathway, ranging from operational delivery to science and engineering, government policy to cyber security. We heard from four Fast Streamers about their experience on the programme. Then, we had a go at a Policy Exercise, akin to the type of tasks you would do on the Fast Stream. We were given a situation and three possible solutions, which we had to rank in order of preference. Each solution seemed appropriate and we discussed the advantages and disadvantages of each within our groups. This allowed us to practice our teamwork, communication and verbal reasoning skills- competencies the Civil Service values.

Activity 3- Alumni Q&A:

We then got to meet a panel of Lancaster University alumni who now all work in various departments within the Civil Service. It was fascinating to learn about their vital work and why they enjoy working for the Civil Service. It was particularly inspiring to think that they were once in our position, studying at Lancaster, and now have important roles in one of the largest employers in the country! I really valued the opportunity to ask questions to learn more about their career progression and entry into the Civil Service.

Activity 4- Networking:

For the final session of the day, we networked with the Civil Service staff, which offered further opportunity to ask questions and delve into what it’s like to work for the Civil Service. One of the Fast Streamers had mentioned in an earlier session about working for the sustainability team regarding schools, and as someone who is interested in sustainability and climate policy, I really valued the opportunity to ask her more about her responsibilities in the role. The networking session is great if you’re looking to expand your LinkedIn and connect with industry professionals!

Overall:

I hope this has given you a clearer idea of what it’s like to attend a GROW Your Future insight day and what activities it involves. It was an invaluable opportunity to learn more about the Civil Service and I particularly liked being able to talk to Lancaster University alumni, now Civil Services employees, about their experiences. I highly recommend signing up to attend an insight day- you might just find your dream job!

If you are interested in attending future Insight Days, please register your interest here, and we will be in touch when we have more information - https://lancasteruni.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_38Xyt0kCEm7Xg6a

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