Property graduates

I began my Clarion Journey in September 2022 and have now been at Clarion for over 18 months. I joined on the Customer and Property Graduate Scheme with a property focus. I began my time in Clarion Response, gaining an understanding of responsive repairs. I worked closely with area managers and the regional director to gain knowledge of the issues faced by teams and how their work interacts with customers and the Group at large. I was able to hold meetings with managers, present my ideas and meet residents.

My second placement was in Asset Investment, where I was able to learn about planned investment and how long-term decisions are made about our properties for our customers. I engaged with the Sustainable Homes project, going to site, meeting contractors and understanding the impact of fabric measures on energy efficiency and EPCs.

I found the role to be incredibly interesting, and, through my shadowing, I felt I was able to take the next step in my career by applying for the role of a Planned Investment Manager/Surveyor. I was successful and have now been working in North London for two months. The work is incredibly rewarding and everyday I can see how we positively impact our residents homes and lives.

After completing a degree in Geography at the University of St Andrews in 2022, I was on the search for a role that supported both my interest in people, spaces and places, and my longstanding desire to create meaningful and impactful social change. The graduate scheme, which I began in September 2023, has so far been an excellent way in which to achieve this, and has provided a window into the social housing industry.

Having taken the property route, the first of four six-month rotations placed me in Property Services, more specifically in the Building Safety Team. This is a rapidly expanding area in the housing industry, owing to the abundance of new legislation following the devastating fire of Grenfell Tower in 2017. The aim of this is to dedicate an entire directorate to the many aspects of building safety, the most prominent of this being cladding remediation. As someone who enjoys the creative challenge of problem-solving and big picture thinking, I found the dynamic nature of this side of the business well-suited to me.

At the moment, I am on the repairs side of the business, learning rapidly from the quick-paced environment. It has been incredibly valuable to shadow our operatives, who are often the first point of contact for our residents. I believe that the rotational nature of the graduate scheme is an excellent way to gain exposure to a wider range of experiences, and I am confident that, by the end of the two years, I will be well-placed to continue my career in housing and social justice thanks to the support of Clarion Housing Group.

I started my journey with Clarion in September 2023 through the Property graduate pathway. Having earned a degree in Geography from the University of Edinburgh in 2022, I was eager to apply my understanding of urban landscapes in a professional setting.

My first rotation was with Clarion Response, the repairs department. This initial placement was ideal due to its fast-paced and varied nature, exposing me to a multitude of business processes and systems, particularly as Clarion Response was implementing numerous new initiatives at the time. I had the opportunity to shadow various teams, from working on the ground with operatives to participating in strategic meetings with regional directors. This experience allowed me to lead my own efficiency project and run a pilot program, providing me with valuable insights and skills.

Being a graduate at Clarion offers a unique vantage point to gain experience across different teams and management levels. Currently, I have transitioned to the Building Safety team, where I am involved in cladding remediation projects stemming from policy changes following the Grenfell fire. These projects are longer-term and present an interesting contrast to the immediate nature of repair work.

In addition to my rotational roles, I have engaged with other facets of life at Clarion. I joined the Charity Champions, supporting our corporate charity initiatives, and became involved with the REACH network. I am enthusiastic about continuing my journey within the Property directorate at Clarion, eager to explore various parts of the business and further develop my skill set.