About the employee

  • Name – Jess Grimsey
  • Degree studied – Forensic Science BSc (Hons)
  • University attended – Nottingham Trent University
  • Job title – IT Management Trainee
  • Location – Letchworth Garden City
  • Length of time with the company – 18 months

Why did you choose your company?

I’ve always been interested in the digital world and after deciding I wanted a career refresh after working within the forensic world I was looking to use my skills elsewhere. I was referred in to Willmott Dixon by an existing employee. When someone is willing to recommend you to come and work for their company, you know that the company must be doing something right.

What do you do on a day-to-day basis?

My placement work, charity fundraising, careers fairs, recruitment, school visits, training… There’s always something different going on and as a management trainee you’re often at the heart of it. We’re always heavily involved in the projects that our departments are running as well ensuring business as usual is maintained.

Which skills/experience are key for your role?

The focus in our role is having great people skills and working well alongside the rest of the trainees. Technical qualifications and knowledge can be gained throughout your placements and you are always encouraged to improve yourself.

What are the best things about your job?

I have the freedom to manage my own diary and to highlight knowledge areas I have an interest in.  There’s no such thing as a silly question, and there’s always someone to ask if you’re ever unsure of anything.

How does the graduate programme/scheme work?

I rotate around the different areas within IT over a two year period. Within a rotation, I’m aligned to the senior manager who agrees objectives and targets with me throughout my time with their team. We also work with the managers to improve procedures and suggest new ways of working. As a trainee we’re in the unique position of working with all of the departments so our input is always valued.  Alongside the placement work, we also get involved in charity work, community investment schemes and recruitment of the next generation of management trainees.

What sets your company apart from their competitors as a top graduate employer?

We have a great deal of benefits, from company cars/travel allowance to flexible working and getting your birthday off every year. The company really makes sure that you’re happy as the goal is always to progress from the scheme into a career of a lifetime with them. I’ve enjoyed a great deal of training already including pursuing a personal goal to improve my typing with a touch typing course.

What’s next for you after the programme finishes?

Currently I’m looking to go into project management. I’m already booked on to complete the Prince2 practitioner course.

What advice would you give someone applying for a role with your company?

Don’t worry if you don’t feel like you’re not a traditional candidate for a vacancy. Put in an application and explain what makes you unique!