Henrietta Foster

Finance
Joined September 2009

I studied maths at UCL and, with Transport for London (TfL) as a part of daily life, I always wondered how such a busy and complex system is managed. The challenges this presents, along with other factors such as the Capital's growing population and increasing financial constraints, make for a challenging and dynamic workplace.

The range of placements offered was something that really attracted me. So far I have worked in the investment programme management office, overseeing the budgets of major projects like the Victoria station upgrade; business planning looking at TfL's funding settlement from the government and various others including management accounting and policy work.

Work that helps passengers

I also undertook a placement at the Marylebone group of Underground stations as a Customer Service Assistant. This gave me an insight into how the Tube is run and how the work I do in the office impacts passengers.

We have the freedom to choose our placements from the second year onwards and this offers a breadth of experience I would struggle to get anywhere else. It also means that, when the time comes to secure a permanent role, I'll have a good idea of where I want to work in TfL.

As part of the scheme I'm studying for the CIMA qualification and the support I receive is excellent - I get plenty of study days and managers recognise the need to take time off. TfL takes a strong interest in my personal development and I have attended a number of courses, all of which have been of a high standard.

The sky's the limit

TfL's workforce reflects London's diversity which makes it a lively, cosmopolitan place to work. The graduate community is really sociable and I know that I can call on other people if I need to know something about a different area of the business.

When I complete the scheme next year I hope to go into a management accounting role. Many graduates stay with TfL long-term and go on to senior positions within the business. There is a real feeling that you are valued and, if you work hard, the sky's the limit.