How did you join the graduate programme?
I joined the graduate programme through my internship last summer. I applied for the 10,000 black interns scheme and during my time at Ofcom, I heard about the opportunity to apply for the graduate programme. I received a reminder from Early Careers once applications opened and decided to apply. I was fast tracked to the assessment centre thanks to completing the internship, and I am now a policy graduate working in the Online Safety Group.
How did your internship support and prepare you to join the graduate programme?
My internship supported and prepared me to join the graduate programme by giving me valuable insights into its structure. A presentation was given to inform interns of the programme and application steps and we were also allocated mentors; mine was a year into the graduate programme at the time. This allowed me to hear first-hand experience, setting the expectations for the kinds of skills I would need going into the graduate role, and those that I could develop from the programme.
How have you found the induction into Ofcom?
I found the induction into Ofcom very useful as it was not only informative but also fun. Through various presentations, I learned a lot about Ofcom’s origins, values, and culture. I also received useful presentations on navigating Ofcom’s central hub and workday system, and on the resources for learning and development. Moreover, the induction helped me connect with other graduates in my cohort through team activities such as creating a mock social media campaign for Ofcom. Overall, the induction was a great start to my journey at Ofcom.
What’s got you most excited about starting the graduate programme?
I am most excited about the opportunities for developing my skills and knowledge at Ofcom. This is possible through the rotational nature of the programme that involves me joining different teams over the course of the two years before I take on an associate role. I can’t wait to engage with the breadth of Ofcom’s work through this programme.
If you could give future candidates insider tips, what would they be?
I would advise future candidates to integrate Ofcom’s values – agility, excellence, collaboration, respect, empowerment – into their CV, cover letter, and interview. This will demonstrate that you can thrive in the organisation as these values are a core part of Ofcom. Additionally, it is important to spend time learning more about Ofcom as their powers are far-reaching, ranging from tv broadcasting to spectrum to online safety. So, identifying the departments that you are interested in and updating yourself on their work and achievements would allow you to show your enthusiasm in applying for the graduate programme.