Natasha Parker - Graduate Case Study
After graduating from the University of Birmingham with a degree in Politics and International Relations, I knew I wanted to work somewhere I could make a difference but wasn’t entirely sure where that would be. I joined Sanctuary last year and quickly realised this graduate programme was the place I’d been searching for.
One of the first things I learned about Sanctuary is that it’s a Disability Confident employer. As someone with a chronic illness, I was worried about starting in a structured corporate setting. However, during recruitment I immediately felt reassured that my health needs would be actively accommodated, not just tolerated (which is what I had found with other organisations). That commitment hasn’t wavered.
This sense of active assistance is also felt through the support you are consistently given on the scheme – which starts on the first day. Prior to joining Sanctuary, I had never worked a “real” job before – only having experience in volunteering throughout uni. However, over the last year these nerves have absolutely settled.
The induction process eased the concerns I had, being given the chance to see the work that different business areas of the company do and speak to senior leaders (including the CEO!). That early exposure has helped me hit the ground running and see how I could grow my career here.
Learning and support are continued throughout the programme, with workshops being ran for grads for essential skills, and other opportunities for learning and development. It is not just in the experiences though, but also the people. No matter how new you are, your ideas carry weight, and your contributions don’t get lost in the pile.
This was felt in the two placements I have experienced in my first year/in my first two 6-month placements, I have worked with the following teams:
My first placement was with the Strategy and Engagement team, where I helped design a youth engagement programme aimed at strengthening our connection with younger tenants. This work has been woven into Sanctuary’s upcoming youth strategy.
My second placement immersed me in Property and Housing - working with the complaints team, giving me front-line insights into our tenants’ concerns and challenges our operatives’ day-to-day face. I’ve gained confidence using Sanctuary’s internal systems, sharpened my Excel skills, and learned to analyse data in ways that shape operational decisions.
My next placement, will be in Business Change, being able to work on a transformative programme dealing with regulatory changes – such as Awaab’s Law – where I am hoping to gain skills in areas like project management and stakeholder engagement.
They say your first job is always the toughest, and if that’s true, I’m optimistic it can only get better from here! I’m excited to build on everything I’ve learned, take on greater responsibility, and continue learning and developing within Sanctuary.