Case studies: Assistant service manager: Claire Smith

While studying for an MA in history and English literature and an MLitt in history at the University of Glasgow, Claire also worked part time in a chemist's. She's now an NHS Scotland graduate management trainee, working as an assistant service manager for Care Homes NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

Having increased my hours at the chemist's and training as a store team manager during my studies, I took a full-time post after my Masters. I then decided to train as a pharmacy dispenser as I developed a real interest in people's health and enjoyed having a positive influence. When I saw the NHS Scotland graduate management scheme advert, I applied and was lucky enough to be one of just seven candidates selected for the whole of Scotland in 2010.

Although my degree did not have an obvious job route, it gave me a clear understanding of information management, the ability to develop an argument, and strong debating and negotiating skills. The comprehension and reporting of complex information, skills I developed while studying, are also central to the job.

I spend a large proportion of my day preparing work on staff management, financial reports for my service manager or on projects such as the creation of a new nursing rota. Alongside checking emails I respond to the needs of the service as they arise, dealing with everyday issues like annual leave requests, training and staff cover. I check in with colleagues, including the nursing team lead and practice manager, to ensure everything is okay and ask for their advice and knowledge on any issues or plans I'm working on.
 
I attend regular meetings and, if I am presenting, ensure the work is ready. Meetings are often multidisciplinary and regularly lead to the creation of several tasks for myself. I also have monthly one-to-one reviews with the service manager, my line manager. I give her updates and she gives me details of upcoming tasks/projects/service change. Again, I leave with a large to-do list!

My career aspiration is to stay within the NHS, ideally progressing to a service manager role within one of the large acute sites or to work in any of the developments made to improve public health, particularly for children. I believe these areas would provide great challenges and also have real rewards for the nation's health.

The most challenging parts of the job are being given what seems like a lot of responsibility quite quickly, dealing with multiple requests and keeping up with the pace. However, the challenges only make the job more interesting. Who wants to be doing the same thing every day?!

To get into this type of career you have to be really motivated to work hard. But you'll reap rewards in terms of personal development and making a difference. I would suggest getting as many wide-ranging experiences as possible. Try and get some experience in a care setting and management role to see if you enjoy it, then work hard and apply - simple as that!