Brain Ache.

Food theft notes saga

It might sound a tad ridiculous that I’ve been in my first placement only 5 days and I’m already knackered but…I am! Maybe this weeks post should have been titled ‘Information Overload’ because since Monday it has been none stop and I’ve had to be at the top of my game to keep up and make it all fit together. Add to this the fact that this week I’ve had to play Miss Marple in the ‘Mystery of the Missing Food’ and it’s not surprising the weekend was very welcome!

Other than Tuesday, this week I’ve been in the office for the first time. My first placement is with London Underground in the IM Project Management Office. I’m part of a small team which includes my manager, two others guys and myself. No messing about, first thing on Monday morning I’m given something I’ll be responsible for every week which involves liaising with the project managers and portfolio managers to find out what progress they’re making and making sure they stay on track and will meet milestones and finish on target. I’ve also been given responsibility for producing our teams part of a high level report each period and been asked to develop a new system for bi-weekly reporting…..

PANIC!

...my first response was one of mild panic, manic note taking and some Googling!

We’ll see, I’m sure by this time next week I’ll be right in the swing of things and be able to understand 90% of what’s going on and what I’m doing… that’s the aim anyway… the other 10% I will always put down to people who generally speak in riddles.

Tuesday was a bit different; I was over at Pier Walk (the TfL office next to the O2 arena) for a training day with the other IM grads and apprentices. Most of it was related to TfL and service management (rather than LU and project management) but it’ll definitely be helpful when I rotate there. The other great thing about Pier Walk is that other grads are based over there. It was just really nice to be able to walk around the building and bump into familiar faces. But I’m enjoying being based at St. James Park very much, sunny lunches 2mins from the park are brilliant!!

Had an excellent lazy weekend (hence not bothering to write this until now) and all too soon it’s Monday again!... Today I found out that last week I had actually understood more than I thought and got into the office and cracked on with what I had to do. Tomorrow should be good too; all the IM grads have a meeting with Steve Townsend the newly(ish) appointed TfL ChiefInformation Officer – a chance to ask a few questions to the top dog!

Next blog should be Sunday but I can’t make any promises… It’s the BFF’s leaving drinks 4pm Friday and there is already a plan afoot to stay up for the England v Scotland match Saturday morning… messy.

Until next time…whenever that may be,

Bren x

Ps, I really must make these more interesting – apologies

Pps, In an attempt to do just that… check this video out – It’s my new fave.