What first attracted you to Ofcom’s graduate programme and what were your expectations?
Whilst in the process of completing a master’s in Data Science and Statistics, I was naturally looking at graduate roles within the Data Science sector. There were many schemes that involved working for banks and within the Tech sector.
However, Ofcom stood out as a public sector organisation. Upon realising that working in the public sector aligned with my personal values and knowing the work I could produce would be helping people across the UK, I knew I had to apply for the programme. My expectations were opportunities for project work across different areas – not just one. Career development and learning options were also one of my other biggest expectations.
Has the experience met your expectations so far?
In the context of being on a specialist pathway (different to the standard policy graduate programme), I will be completing four different rotations, subject to the length and complexity of each project. The first project is assigned to you and after that there is opportunities to speak to your Career and Performance Manager if there are any specific project area you would like to work in – for me specifically I would like to work in the Post department.
For those on the Policy graduate programme, there are preference forms that can be filled out and Ofcom will do their best to accommodate these.
In addition, there are multiple options for learning and development. As someone on the Data Science pathway, Ofcom provides access to Data Camp which has many resources for learning and improving code. There are also many courses created by the Ofcom to further develop in areas like Project Management, Cybersecurity and other E-learning courses.
Did you require any adjustments to undertake the assessment centre?
Upon request, I had adjustments which included using headphones during the project presentation preparation (Data Science assessment centre specific), fidgets and explaining beforehand that eye contact is difficult and so this would be considered when assessing my communication abilities. Ofcom supported the adjustments, and the Early Careers team spoke to the assessors beforehand. The Early Careers team were also on hand for any immediate concerns and moral support.
Did Ofcom’s commitment to diversity and inclusion support you as someone that has a disability, neurodiversity, or long-term condition?
Before I submitted my application, I looked at the Ofcom Careers webpage for more information on how accessible and inclusive Ofcom could be (link below). Upon finding out that it is a priority under the Diversity and Inclusion strategy and seeing it was part of the Disability Confident Scheme, I felt comfortable submitting and being open from the beginning about being neurodivergent. I also found out about the SOUND network which supports colleagues with disabilities so knew that if I was successful, there would be plenty of support available.
Useful link: Accessibility & Inclusion at Ofcom - Ofcom Careers
What advice would you give to future applicants with a disability, neurodiversity or long-term condition looking to join the graduate programme?
If you can, be open. Share beforehand any reasonable adjustments you need, anything that needs to be considered as they will almost always be accommodated. Be brave! Having a disability can be rough at times – if you know you would like to join a graduate programme, take the risk of applying and know that if you are successful and get on to it, there are even more adjustments that can be made to accommodate you including work hour adjustments, specialist equipment and support. It may seem like a barrier at times, but Ofcom will do their part to remove any barriers for you.