Maisie Taylor

Current Employer/Organisation Name

Liverpool City Council

What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?

Since leaving Exeter I gained employment through the LGA IMPACT Graduate Scheme programme and I work for Liverpool City Council. The scheme is designed to provide introductory experience in local government and is open to graduates from all disciplines. One year into the scheme I am currently in my second of three placements and I am working as a project manager in the Culture Liverpool team on the UN Accelerator City programme to decarbonise the live events, tv and film sector. Liverpool is the world’s first city to have been awarded this programme.

Prior to this, I worked in the Public Health department for 10 months where I drafted policy and conducted engagement workshops to inform a 10-year women’s health strategy to improve health outcomes for women and girls in the city. Alongside this, I gained experience in service commissioning for sexual health and drugs and alcohol portfolios as well as liaison with external stakeholders to deliver a public health presence and messaging at BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Liverpool. 

Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?

I chose this graduate scheme for the variety it offered, with graduates being able to work across any department within local government (of which there are a lot!). I studied BA Geography with Study Abroad where I read Political Science and did a minor in Fine Art which meant I had a wide base of knowledge but did not yet know how to hone this for a career in one particular sector. Through this, I have been able to try several career paths I would not have otherwise had access to. The scheme gives you an access-all-areas pass – allowing for exposure to senior decision making and high level mentoring as well as gaining experience in day-to-day service delivery duties. It also involves completing a Level 7 CMI qualification in Project Management and several in-person learning days where you can network with other graduates across the UK.

Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?

I was a member of Enactus; we created a storybook to communicate climate change to children. I was also a member of Bodysoc, Dancesoc and Geogsoc.

What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?

It became obvious by the final year of the Geography programme at Exeter how the modules linked up to prepare you to write your dissertation and this was complimented by the opportunity I took to study abroad. I met my close group of friends (who had also returned from abroad) through a group project in final year – I’m so glad we had this shared experience and the support for each other helped through any final year stress. 

What did you most enjoy about studying here?

The support from both academic and careers staff members was exceptional during my studies. Particularly during my dissertation – the lecturers worked extremely hard to encourage my interests and support my research. I also had the privilege of working with the incredible careers team who armed me with lots of transferable skills and supported my applications alongside my studies. 

Why did you choose to study at Exeter?

I loved the scenery on campus and access to surrounding areas like Dartmoor and the beaches. I was also a fan of the structure of the Geography course (as touched on above) and the possibility of studying abroad and fieldwork. 

What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?

Written and verbal communication and critical thinking. These skills are built on through the study of an essay subject like Geography and are a great base for a job in local government where you often need to assess complex information and communicate it to others. 

What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?

Reach out to alumni and apply for the scheme! When I applied – I spoke with someone in the second year of the scheme who gave me an insight into the day-to-day activities of the job. They were able to give me advice around the application and help to set my expectations for the role. 

What are your plans for the future?

I have another year left of the graduate scheme, so I want to round out my experience through taking a corporate placement to understand governance processes in the council.