Natasha Parker - Graduate Case Study
After graduating in Politics and International Relations from the University of Birmingham, I applied for Sanctuary’s Graduate Programme seeking meaningful work—and quickly realised I had found the right place.
Before applying, I had not heard of Sanctuary, but each stage of the recruitment process revealed a values-driven organisation committed to inclusion and impact. As someone with a chronic illness, I was reassured by Sanctuary’s status as a Disability Confident employer. My health needs have been actively supported, and I have felt genuinely welcomed across every team.
The induction was thorough and engaging, offering exposure to various departments and senior leaders—including the CEO. This helped me understand the organisation’s structure and how I could contribute meaningfully. Learning and development are embedded throughout the programme, with workshops and ongoing support that empower graduates to grow. No matter how new you are, your ideas carry weight, and your contributions do not get lost in the pile.
In my first year, I have completed two placements:
Strategy and Engagement: I helped design a youth engagement programme now integrated into Sanctuary’s youth strategy, meaning I can see the direct impact of my efforts.
Property and Housing: I worked with the complaints team, gaining frontline insights into our tenants’ concerns and challenges our operatives’ day-to-day face. This has helped improved my data analysis and Excel skills.
Next, I will join the Business Change team, contributing to a regulatory transformation project, including work related to 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 is true, I am optimistic it can only get better from here. I am excited to build on everything I have learned, take on greater responsibility, and continue learning and developing within Sanctuary.