Jennifer's story

I joined Sanctuary fresh out of a Maths degree at Warwick University, and it’s been an opportunity I’m overwhelmingly grateful for.  

Before applying, I was nervous to start full-time work, and worried I might not find a job that paid the bills, interested me, and stood for a goal that I believed in. However, the more I learnt about Sanctuary throughout the application, the more I became certain that a job here would meet those needs, and far exceed them.  

What I’ve ultimately found is what I can only deem to be a perfect first job; any anxiety I had over integrating into the working world has vanished, as from the first day I’ve been welcomed by incredibly friendly co-workers, countless avenues of support, a flexible work-life balance, and a role that motivates, challenges, and teaches me.  

As a trans woman, I also had worries about finding an accepting workplace, with colleagues that would treat me the same regardless of identity, however once again I was only met with warmth and kindness. Since starting here, I have not had a single incident, comment, or even disapproving look for being who I am, and that is incredibly important to me. 

The most standout feature of the Graduate scheme is the sheer amount I learnt in such a short time – it is impossible to overstate it. In six months, I went from having no prior IT experience, and no knowledge of Sanctuary’s applications or systems, to being a valuable asset to a Technology team with decades of experience, my manager from that team having said I would easily be welcomed back at any point. Put into perspective: in half a year I gained the experience needed to guarantee a role that would normally take a 3 year qualification to even apply for. That was only my first placement, and I’ve learnt even more during the second. 

All of this is supported exceptionally by the business, who during the induction and throughout the scheme provide endless opportunities to travel and work all over the country, get priceless experience of Sanctuary’s front-line operations, collaborate with teams across many departments, and expand my network and skillset. This flexibility is present in all aspects of the scheme, and as a Graduate your input is always welcomed and considered, allowing you to craft your own experience and get what you want from these opportunities.  

For my first placement, I was with the Business Applications Team in Technology and underwent a variety of projects. I researched, compiled, and documented information for all our applications by speaking with dozens of stakeholders, created multiple pieces of governance on automation, some of which I successfully automated myself, and how the department deals with acquisitions, and contributed directly to our team by creating many vital dashboards, and working through our day-to-day support as any other member of the team. 

Now, at the end of my second placement with Data Analytics in Property Services, I’ve played a role in one of Sanctuary’s largest projects - OneProperty - affecting thousands of residents, homes, and employees around the country. With my team we’ve provided essential reporting to the business, through many months of careful negotiations of requirements with staff all across the Group, thorough investigation of our data, and precise development of our reporting solutions. 

My next placement will be in Sanctuary’s own software development team, working on the Kradle app used in care homes all over the UK. Once again this will grant me a wealth of experience, now covering multiple programming languages and a professional software development cycle, further expanding my skills and potential career paths, and I’m excited to contribute as much as possible to this corner of Technology. 

The amount you can learn, together with the number of connections you can make with potentially very senior members of the Group, means that the progression available to a Graduate during and after these two years is immense. As a Sanctuary Graduate you don’t just learn the ropes and do menial tasks until you can work your way upwards, instead you are treated as a valuable employee with something to contribute at all levels from the very start. 

I’d highly recommend Sanctuary’s Graduate Scheme to anyone looking for a job that will make you relish everything you learn, drive your ambition (or reveal ambition you didn’t know you had!), and know that your work is truly helping people, through an organisation that is worth your passion.