Student works within HM Treasury in London on Prestigious Whitehall Residential Programme

Sixth Form College student, Amy Cunningham, recently completed a prestigious placement in London on The Whitehall Residential Programme through the Social Mobility Foundation. The Whitehall Programme offers students a unique opportunity to gain first-hand experience working within a governmental department focusing on some of the most pressing issues facing the country.

Amy, who is currently studying Psychology, History and Biology at the College was placed in the Human Resources department in HM Treasury during her internship. Whilst there, Amy had the opportunity to shadow colleagues within the Treasury and attend meetings, help out at an open day for their apprenticeship scheme, assist with the set up for an awards ceremony at 11 Downing Street and observe and evaluate economics training delivered to apprentices in the Treasury. Routine admin work was also part of the role which took place from 27^th July – 7^th August, so Amy was able to gain experience of day-to-day filing, creating handouts for graduates visiting the Treasury, arranging catering for visitors and designing web pages on the HR section of the Treasury blog.

Amy, who joined the College from The Birkenhead Park School and is part of the College’s Honours Programme, applied for the placement following a talk at The Sixth Form College from a Social Mobility Foundation representative Isobel Plant. As Amy successfully gained her place through the Social Mobility Foundation, her place on the programme was fully funded including travel to and from London, accommodation, meals and all evening and weekend activities.

Amy commented, “My internship made me realise there are so many different job roles out there that you wouldn’t know about unless you make the effort to experience them. In HR alone, there are so many varied roles that I hadn’t even realised existed – it opened my eyes to the amount of opportunity there is.”

“I also learnt that it is vital to ask as many questions as you can in every working environment and make as many contacts and strong working relationships as possible to take full advantage of the opportunity. You never know who may prove helpful when building your future career!”

Amy is still undecided on her choice of career but found her work experience at HM Treasury invaluable to her development, adding, “I had an amazing time in London. It was an incredible opportunity and a once in a lifetime experience. I met so many wonderful people and learnt so much - it is just something I will never forget. I'm very thankful I was given such a great opportunity and recommend that if anybody fits the criteria to definitely do so!”