From Ukraine to the UK: Anna’s Experience with the Horizons Programme
My name is Anna, and I am a Trainee Talent Assistant at Buckinghamshire Council. I joined the council five months ago, and I am thrilled to share my journey and experiences with the Horizons programme.
My background is in medicine. I graduated from a medical university in Ukraine and gained practical experience working as a nurse in a surgical department. In Ukraine, it is common for medical students studying to become doctors to work as nurses in hospitals during their training. Unfortunately, I couldn’t secure a position for my internship after completing my studies. I decided to take a year to travel and reflect on which medical speciality I wanted to pursue. However, during this time, the war began, and my family decided to relocate to the UK.
When I first arrived in the UK, one of the biggest challenges I faced was the language barrier. My English skills were limited, which made it difficult to adapt, communicate with people, and especially search for a job. However, thanks to my dedicated tutors, I was able to make significant progress in this area relatively quickly. Another challenge was understanding the cultural differences and learning to navigate the traditions and way of life in a new country. It took time to find a balance and adapt to living in harmony with a different mindset. I also found job interviews particularly challenging as I didn’t have much experience with formal interviews in Ukraine. It’s still a skill I am working on, but I am confident that I will continue to improve it soon. Additionally, dealing with the complexities of renting a property in the UK was quite overwhelming, as it’s not as straightforward as I had hoped for someone new to the country. Thankfully, our host family, with whom we lived during the first year, was incredibly supportive. They not only helped us navigate the visa process but also provided invaluable insight into British life, which made our transition much smoother.
Before joining the council, I held several different jobs in the UK. One of the roles I initially thought would suit me well was as a Healthcare Assistant with the NHS. I planned to work there while pursuing further studies. However, I quickly realised that the role was extremely demanding, both physically and emotionally, leaving me with little energy to focus on anything else. As a result, I decided to reassess my strategy and explore other opportunities. I also worked as a waiter in a café and as a Sales Assistant in a retail shop. While I enjoyed interacting with people in these roles, I eventually realised that they didn’t offer the growth or level of engagement I was looking for in a career. This made me even more motivated to find a role where I could truly thrive and feel fulfilled.
I like the Horizons programme because it offers a great opportunity to develop my skills while gaining valuable work experience during the placement. It allows me to work and build the foundation needed for a permanent role. I also appreciate the access to learning opportunities, such as workshops and training sessions, which help me improve my professional skills. Another benefit of the programme is the chance to shadow different departments within the council. This experience helps participants explore various areas of work and discover which roles suit them best. This programme is an excellent way to gain practical experience and prepare for future opportunities.
In my role as a Trainee Talent Assistant, I manage both personal and Horizons mailboxes, respond to emails, and direct queries to the appropriate person. I also take part in the preparation of training sessions, events, and workshops, which I thoroughly enjoy. Additionally, I provide administrative support for the Horizons programme. I have been actively involved in the onboarding process for the Horizons programme, including populating contracts for approximately 50 new employees. Through effective teamwork and general administrative tasks, our team successfully recruited and onboarded 53 Horizons candidates. My contributions included gathering information, liaising with hiring managers, scheduling interviews, and providing information for contracts. Being part of the Horizons programme and working closely with it has given me valuable insights into the process from the inside. Beyond my work on the Horizons programme, I collaborate with my team members across various tasks, supporting them in different areas and contributing to the overall workflow.
The support offered in this role is incredibly varied and comprehensive. One of the key aspects is the Learning and Development Opportunities, including various workshops that we can attend. I have already participated in some of them and plan to explore more in the future. Additionally, the support from my manager has been invaluable. I particularly appreciate the regular one-to-one meetings, where we can discuss any challenges I’m facing at work. My manager provides guidance, clarifies tasks when needed, and offers practical help to ensure I can perform my responsibilities effectively. Another great resource is the Horizons Career Drop-in Sessions, which were organised after a few months of working on the programme. These sessions provide a chance to discuss the roles we’re interested in applying for, receive advice on improving our CVs and applications, and explore the opportunities available within and outside the council. These drop-in sessions, led by Kimberley Ashmead and Claire Ryan, are highly valuable and reflect the effort the council puts into supporting participants. Overall, the support comes from all directions — whether it’s professional development, mentorship, or career guidance — which makes this programme truly exceptional. Also, anyone who is interested in receiving coaching while on placement can apply for this.
One of my favourite things about working here is the strong support I receive from both the Horizons programme and my colleagues. The networking opportunities to connect with people across the council have been incredibly valuable. It allows me to meet and learn from professionals in various departments, helping me understand the broader workings of the organisation and build meaningful relationships. These connections have not only enhanced my experience but also contributed to my personal and professional growth. I truly appreciate the collaborative atmosphere and the sense of support that surrounds me in this role.
While I’m still exploring the best path for my long-term career, my primary goal right now is to secure a permanent role. I believe this would be a significant step in my career journey and a great opportunity for growth. Looking ahead, I remain positive and committed to doing my best in every task and opportunity that comes my way. I am focused on continuously learning, gaining experience, and developing my skills to build a successful career. I’m excited about the future and the possibilities it holds, and I will strive to make the most of every opportunity to improve and contribute to the organisation.
First and foremost, don’t be afraid to take on new challenges. The Horizons programme is a great opportunity to enhance your skills across various areas. It offers excellent chances to build a professional network, work in a collaborative team environment, and grow within a supportive organisation like the council. My advice would be to stay open to new opportunities. Even if a task seems unfamiliar or outside your comfort zone, taking it on can provide invaluable experience and help you discover what you truly enjoy doing. Being open to new challenges and connections is key because you never know where they might lead. Small steps, though sometimes overlooked, can ultimately lead to big achievements and opportunities. It’s important to embrace the journey, as each experience contributes to your growth.
As for those moving to a new country for work, I’d suggest giving yourself time to adjust and not taking on too many responsibilities at once. Moving to a new place can be overwhelming, and it’s easy to experience burnout if you try to do too much too soon. Be patient with yourself and allow time for settling in. Choose a place for work that supports your development throughout your career, where you can grow and improve your skills. The right environment will help you build your professional journey. And remember, don’t be discouraged by setbacks or rejections. Every interview and every challenge is a learning opportunity, not a failure. Keep trying, stay positive, and continue to build your network and skills. Progress often comes through persistence and a willingness to grow.
