Name: Helen Thornber
Degree: Computer Animation
University: Bournemouth University
Role: Territory Programme Manager
We’re changing. With our market now having been fully deregulated, we’ve had to become more competitive in everything we do. And we have graduates like Helen to thank for the progress we’ve made.
"When I became the Vice President of the Students’ Union, my idea of what I wanted to do for a living totally changed. It was like I’d found my calling. I’d always thought animation was for me, but I suddenly found myself thinking about a career in management.
The challenge
When I finished my degree, I decided to go for it and started researching the graduate management programmes on offer. I was worried that I wouldn’t have the right credentials, but that just wasn’t the case. I chose the Royal Mail scheme because I saw it as a challenge. I was making big changes to my future and I thought it would be fitting to join a company that was too.
Responsibility
My first role was as a Delivery Manager. I shadowed other managers for a couple of months and then I was given my own team. Overseeing the workload of 30 people was a huge responsibility. I knew my managers would support me but, ultimately, it was up to me to sort out any issues.
After my first placement, I took on a three-month project management role. This role was extended because I became really involved in the project and decided that I wanted to see it through to the end.
Development opportunities
I was then given a placement opportunity as a Delivery Sector Manager. Suddenly, I was responsible for six offices, eight managers, 300 staff and a budget of £6.5 million. I should have been totally overwhelmed, but I wasn’t. My training had prepared me for this challenge and I was ready to face it head on. My manager was really impressed with my performance and I was given an placement opportunity at territory level.
It just goes to show how much you can achieve if you’ve got the drive and determination. All of my hard work has paid off and I’m now on the Graduate Fast Track Scheme as well as the company-wide Talent Scheme.
A company that listens
I definitely made the right decision when I decided to join Royal Mail. A lot of my friends are on other graduate schemes and they just don’t get the opportunities that I do. For example, at a recent Graduate Fast Track session, we were asked our opinion on a range of business critical issues and our views were relayed to the board. I don’t think many other companies do that." | 
Salary - Starting £22,500 plus bonuses
