Name: Harry
Joined Graduate Programme: July 2024
Graduate Role: Graduate Flood Risk Management Officer
Current Role: Flood Risk Management Officer (Strategy)
Degree: MSc Water in a Changing World, BSc Geography
What was the biggest highlight of your Graduate Programme experience?
The biggest highlight of my graduate programme experience was securing a permanent role as a flood risk management officer within the strategy team less than 8 months into the graduate programme.
What was your biggest challenge, and how did you overcome it?
In November 2024, over 400 properties in RCT were internally flooded during an extreme rainfall event, designated as ‘Storm Bert’. This was a huge challenge to overcome so early into my role as a Graduate Flood Risk Management Officer. I was very fortunate that I was part of a great team within FRM, and the support network from the EET team, which enabled me to deal with the challenges presented in the wake of the event.
What advice would you give to anyone considering applying for the Graduate Programme?
My best advice would be to research the relevant department you are considering applying for, particularly on the RCT website. For example, in my case, researching RCT’s Local Flood Risk Management Strategy and Action Plan provided me with a deeper understanding of local flood risk and the councils approach to flood alleviation. I was then able to communicate and discuss this during the interview process.