A graduated view…
Yes, this is another blog post from 50 Degrees – we’re currently churning out content and I have been called to take the wheel. In the wise words of John Ashworth (General Comms Annoyer-in-Chief), ‘it’s over 6-months since you did a Blog, so don’t moan’.
When I started at 50 Degrees, in June 2021, I was a fresh-faced graduate with energy and enthusiasm but limited lived experience. I knew from university that I liked working on projects – having a defined timeline and varied activities with a clear start and finish. I knew how I liked to work – a combination of independence and teamwork, ideally with many highlighters or coloured pens to make pretty notes.
What I wasn’t clear on was how my skillset translated into the world of work. Now that 18-months (give or take) has passed it’s interesting to reflect on where I am now.
Now I’m managing projects, writing bid responses and driving solution design. I’m one of those people speaking mile-a-minute about operational processes, which makes sense to other people in-the-know but likely goes over your head if you’re not familiar with the intricacies of a specific project.
How did I get there? With a great deal of support from the lovely people at 50D.
A lot of graduate roles talk about personal development and professional growth, but at 50D this is a very tangible process. There are:
Monthly meetings with your line manager to reflect on your performance and get a sense of your upcoming workload. This is an opportunity to ask questions and review what you’ve done, but also to identify and explore your ambitions. This may be working on a project in a specific industry (from prisons, education, employability services and beyond) or to supporting in a specific aspect of 50D’s services (bid management and writing, research, solution design or more)
Growth opportunities where you challenge yourself (within reason) to enhance your skillset and build your confidence. You take on additional responsibilities outside your usual remit – last year I was both writing and managing a project for a long-term client and recently I’ve been working in solution design
Friendly people to help you out when you get stuck or lose your confidence. It could be throwing a question to the room when you’re in the office or dropping someone a slack message when you’re working from home – there is always the sense that you’re part of a team and that support is just a message away
Wellbeing check-ins with the lovely Matt Wells (Head of Health and Wellbeing) to make sure you’re taking care of yourself and perfecting that work-life balance.
The 50D approach gets the balance right between independence (letting you get on with the work, however you work best) and support. You manage your workload and are free to work however you work best, even if that involves making a process timeline follow a rainbow colour scheme. I’ve found I’m most productive with a sleeping dog about. Lola (my golden retriever who is a big scaredy cat) can often be found in the background of video calls fast asleep or occasionally attempting to get my attention. Recently she’s been bringing me socks from my laundry basket which can be a little inconvenient when you’re presenting. Alongside this autonomy, you always know you can turn to your line manager or any member of the team for their help or advice.
In summary, if there are any grads or other business professionals reading this – 50D is a great place to grow.
Lucy Figini
Consultant