I grew up on a small farm on the outskirts of Denbigh in North Wales, but completed my undergraduate degree of Politics and Economics and a Masters in Welsh Government and Politics at Cardiff University. When the pandemic hit, I went back home for a year to work on a farm in a neighbouring village, before recently relocating down south again to work with the Cardiff Capital Region. My interests very much revolve around sport – both watching and playing. I have signed for a team called CPD Cymric here in Cardiff, a Welsh-speaking football team, and am very much enjoying it. I also enjoy going to the gym, a little bit of cooking, and a beer or two on the weekend.
After deciding that I wanted to move back down to Cardiff, I learned about the CCR graduate scheme whilst looking for jobs on Linkedin. I applied more on the off chance really, so I was delighted to be offered a role with this brilliant team. I am working in more of a general capacity as part of the skills hub – engaging with businesses, listening to their needs, and helping them develop, whilst also working with the region’s workforce, developing and highlighting the roles available to them. I have a keen interest in the general work that the CCR does as a whole, and therefore working across the board with everybody is an ideal opportunity for me to gain insight into the brilliant work each person does.
As for my future career ambitions, I do not have an overarching goal that I want to achieve or a particular avenue that I want to go down, and so this role with the CCR is a fantastic opportunity to network with a wide variety of people from a whole host of different sectors to continue my professional development. Above all, I am very eager to make a positive contribution to the region, helping development and deliver a real improvement to the lives of the people of South East Wales.
Name: Ynyr Clwyd
Hometown: Denbigh
University Attended: Cardiff University
Graduation Date: September 2020
CCR Graduate Job Title: Graduate Associate
Start Date: November 2021
Employer: Cardiff Capital Region – City Deal Office
Supervisor/Manager Name: Nicola Somerville
Did you apply for many graduate roles or schemes? (if so, how many)
No, whilst I applied for other jobs and roles, this is the only graduate scheme I applied for.
What were your thoughts/feelings around applying for roles/schemes during a pandemic?
I wasn’t all that hopeful when applying for jobs to be honest, as I didn’t know how many firms would be looking to take on new graduates at all given the uncertainty that the pandemic provided.
What attracted you to the CCR graduate scheme?
It sounded like a good opportunity to develop my skillset as the breadth of work it detailed in the description was so varied, it seemed like the perfect step to take in my early career.
How was your experience applying for the CCR graduate scheme during the pandemic?
Compared to other jobs I applied for, the CCR grad scheme was relatively stress free and straight forward.
What are you hoping to achieve during your time on the scheme?
Learn and develop as many new skills as possible, as well as make as many connections as I can, so that I utilise this opportunity as best as I can.
Is there anything you would say to others thinking of applying for the scheme?
Well I applied on the off chance of actually getting the role, so I would say definitely apply for the scheme as you’ve nothing to lose and potentially a great opportunity to gain!
One sentence to sum up your CCR graduate scheme experience…
A great opportunity to meet new people, develop your skills and be part of a fantastic team.
One word that sums up your CCR graduate scheme experience…
Educational
How are you finding your new role? Has it exceeded expectations?
Really enjoying my new role, did not know what to expect really but I certainly did not expect to enjoy it as much as I have!
How are you finding the modules?
Very useful. Full of reflective themes that I probably have not taken enough time to consider in the past.
