The Graduate Programme for University Leadership

The University sector is one of the most innovative, vibrant and exciting environments in which to build a career. 

Ambitious Futures is a cutting-edge programme which will show graduate trainees how the challenging and stimulating business of a University operates. 

A key aspect of the training will see trainees working alongside a diverse range of partners, from students and employers to funding bodies and commercial organisations. 

Watch one of this years graduate trainees, Alexandra Brankova, talk about her time on the programme.

Ambitious Futures

About the Programme

The Ambitious Futures Programme was launched by the Association of Heads of University Administration as a three year pilot programme in 2012 with a view to it becoming a national scheme by 2016.  The programme is now in its third phase and will involve the University of Glasgow for the second time.

Each participating Institution will employ 2 graduate trainees for 15 months.

 The successful applicants will undertake three different placements in administrative / support functions during that time.

The second of these will take place at another University in the Scottish regional cluster.  The type of work that trainees will be involved in will be project-based and wide-ranging offering many diverse and challenging opportunities. 

Graduate trainees will have the opportunity to study towards an ILM management qualification and will also be placed in supportive “learning sets” to share their experiences with other participants. 

They also have the opportunity to participate in other training and development activities and are further supported by a mentor.

Eddie O’Grady, Head of Employee and Organisational Development, said: ”Ambitious Futures is a fantastic opportunity for graduate trainees to gain invaluable experience here at the University of Glasgow. 

“Placements and learning sets provide a supportive environment within which to learn and gain experience.  Graduate trainees also have the opportunity to study towards a management qualification – so the full package is very comprehensive.  I would recommend anyone who is eligible to apply, to do so.”

Application Details

Applicants will have graduated from one of the partner universities, including the University of Glasgow, as an undergraduate or postgraduate in the last five years, with at least a 2.1 in any subject – or anticipate a 2:1 degrees.

Graduates and and final year undergraduates can apply. For more information visit Ambitious Futures


First published: 30 November 2015