Case studies : Operations management graduate trainee: Selina

Selina applied for the graduate scheme with a national transport services organisation, as she wanted to work with people in an operational environment. She began work with the company in January 2008 and considers it one of the best decisions she has ever made.

Selina graduated with a degree in management and marketing in 2007. Researching different opportunities, she considered a graduate management scheme to be her best option, as she would undergo extensive training, with the prospect of a management position at the end.

The scheme is 18 months long and incorporates three placements. Her first placement was nine months based at a depot. This allowed her to really get to grips with the transport industry, but more specifically on her company's operating procedures. Within this she passed her PCV test, operated a bus out in service and was educated on the role of management, including the day-to-day tasks, duties and functions of a depot.

In September 2008, Selina will start the next stage of her scheme; a three-month project placement. She will conduct a research project into the company’s nationwide operating companies. The final six-month placement will be spent back in a depot environment being assigned to a substantial role.

Selina feels that all three placements will provide her with a wide spectrum of skills.

Reflecting on her experiences to date, Selina finds the scheme to be a competitive yet rewarding career path. She feels that you have to have a basic interest in the industry and develop your own competitive edge. Selina was attracted to the operations role rather than the transport industry initially but has since become very interested in the sector and would like to stay within it.