Seeking future university leaders
30 Nov 2016
Do you know a recent graduate with potential to become a leader in University administration?
Ambitious Futures is a national graduate trainee programme for leadership in Higher Education administration. Once selected through a competitive recruitment process, the trainees undertake three placements at two different universities over 15 months and also receive a work-based qualification from the Institute of Leadership & Management.
The University has been an early supporter of the scheme and has recruited two Ambitious Futures graduates every year for the last four years. Dr Julian Skyrme, Director of Social Responsibility and Ambitious Futures Programme Director at The University of Manchester said: “Much like graduate development programmes in industry, Ambitious Futures allows universities to spot talent and nurture the next generation of university leaders. We are pleased to be taking part and are currently looking to recruit two new trainees to join us in September 2017.”
Many trainees use the programme as a springboard to permanent employment within HE. Former Ambitious Future trainee Kim Smith said: “Since graduating I’ve worked in seven different roles at four universities which has helped me to figure out what I enjoy doing. I now work as a Careers Consultant at The University of Manchester, and fellow trainees from my year are now working across HE in areas such as Press and Communications, International Recruitment, Residential Life and Registry Administration.”
The next programme will run from September 2017 through to November 2018.
We are currently recruiting to the scheme and would be grateful if colleagues could raise awareness of the scheme to graduates from any university. For example, you may already know a graduate working at the University who would make a good applicant. Candidates must have graduated within the last five years (both undergraduates and postgraduates) with a minimum 2.1 degree and be eligible to work in the UK. Starting salaries are £24,000-£27,000 per annum, depending on the institution. The deadline for applications is 21 December 2016.