Video Interviews

My name is Graeme Morgan. I am on the Informatics Graduate Management scheme, working at University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire as an Information Analyst. I think my perception prior to joining the NHS, were a little bit overwhelmed by the complexity of the organisation, but as time went by and obviously being in an office environment day in and day out, you pick up things very quickly.

The best thing about working for the NHS is the variety of work that you get to undertake. It is also really rewarding to be able to see the difference that you make on the local area and by the decisions on the work that you do.

I think my long terms objectives of the scheme is to move into a senior management role as soon as possible, but I have to say that the scope of the scheme allows you to spend so much time in different departments and experience so many different things that maybe even if my future is not in Information, there's the scope to move into something else in the future.

The scheme structure has been really full. The one thing that did surprise me was on our induction tour, which was 40 days. We actually had the opportunity to go into theatre and also to go out with the paramedic team which was obviously quite eye opening.

Since joining the scheme on a professional level, I've probably learnt a lot about a lot of technical skills, in terms of analysis skills, but also the importance of making and building relationships with colleagues, whether that be managers and clinicians, or whether that be other trainees in the scheme, that can help you along your journey on the scheme.

I think if somebody asked me about applying on the scheme, I would tell them to just go ahead and do it. It's an exciting opportunity and gives you the opportunity to make a real difference. As long as you are motivated and enthusiastic, you're sure to have a bright future in the NHS.

I'm David Hurrell. I'm on the NHS Management training scheme as an HR Graduate. What initially attracted me to applying for the NHS grad scheme was the depth of opportunity in it. My long term objective being on this scheme is ultimately to become an HR director. I was a bit unsure when I first started the scheme whether that was the direction I wanted to head, but being now on the scheme and seeing what I have seen, I'd really like to make a big difference actually and try and go for those top jobs. The scheme will help me get there in the main by having this breadth and depth of exposure across the board in the training and actually getting the experience under my belt and actually doing the day jobs.

On a personal level, I think the biggest thing I have leant is to be more confident in the way I go about things. Having that kind of exposure to all the sorts of senior people really enforces that in you. The best thing about working for the NHS in the main is the sheer range of opportunities you can get; there are such diverse range of jobs out there, so even if you don't find the right one in the first job, you have plenty more to choose from and actually working for the NHS, you get to see what's out there.

I would tell someone that is thinking about applying for a place on this scheme, just to go and do it. If you are the sort of person who loves a challenge and ultimately wants to make a difference to the NHS, then this is the opportunity for you.

My name is Emma Hopkins. I'm on the NHS Graduate Management scheme, and im on the general Management stream of that. I wanted to apply for a graduate scheme that was public sector because it really interests me and I've worked for the public sector before. I also wanted to do something that was challenging.

The application process for the NHS Graduate Scheme is similar to that of other graduate schemes. It's a three staged process. The first stage is online testing and an application form. The second stage is a competency based interview. And the third stage is an assessment centre. I think the process is really fair; however the assessment centre is hard work.

The best thing about working for the NHS is that people are always at the focus of your mind. We work very hard for patient safety and for patient care and I really like the fact that we make a difference to peoples lives.

Having been on the scheme for a year, I've really enjoyed every minute I have spent on it. And I think I would like to stay within the operational environment and work in the acute hospital hopefully working my way up through the ranks. The scheme has allowed us great exposure to really important people and people with a lot of experience which I think can really help you develop yourself on the scheme.

If you're thinking of applying for a place on the NHS graduate management scheme, I would say go for it. It's an absolutely brilliant opportunity. It's so varied and there is so much you can do within the NHS and it's absolutely brilliant for career progression at the end of the day.

My name is Krishna Vivekanandan. I am based at the moment in the Surrey and Sussex Health Care Trust. What attracted me to the scheme initially was the amount of autonomy that you have within the structure to really develop your own career path.

The applications basically consists of four different parts. You have your online application form, followed by your online test, then your interview and then finally a 24 hour assessment centre.

What has really surprised me about the whole scheme structure is the freedom that you get. Once you are really into the swing of things, you really do get to own the scheme. I very much have, at the centre of my plans, the idea of satisfaction. If you are satisfied with what you do, then in the long term you will be successful.

The best thing about working for the NHS, absolutely, has to be the people. You meet a variety of fantastic people in all sorts of different areas. You have got people who are just so dedicated to the things they do and it is really refreshing to be around that sort of atmosphere.

Anybody thinking about applying for a place, who really wants an opportunity to develop their career, and really be able to make a difference within the community, I’d say absolutely do it. It’s a scheme that really gives you the opportunity to really grow as a person. It is absolutely for people who have the drive to make a difference.