Julia Birch

Strategy Development Manager, London Underground
Joined September 2000

Being a part of Oyster

Currently my role involves developing new strategies - particularly in the areas of Customer Service and Operations. Whilst I was a graduate trainee, the placement that really stood out for me was working on the client team for the delivery of Oyster. It was a phenomenal opportunity to have real responsibility in a really high-profile project. For the programme overview I pulled together all the critical workstreams to determine when we would launch. I also made sure that operationally we were ready - getting involved in the processes to make sure that all 6000 staff were trained before we launched. Oyster has become an integral part of London life and makes a real difference to people and is a well-recognised brand - it's great to think that I was so involved in delivering such a great product.

Training that doesn't stop when you finish your course

Both during and after the scheme my development has been well supported. As well as the grounding I gained through my diploma in management studies there was well structured training in both technical and management skills during the scheme. This doesn't stop when you come off the scheme, there is still a wide variety of training provided to support your on-going development, and I am currently going through a management development programme in a personal plan specifically designed to meet my needs and those of the business.

With so much going on at TfL you can build your career however you want it

If you want to join a scheme where you will have real responsibility very early on in an organisation that offers an diverse range of career opportunities then the scheme is for you. There is so much going on at the moment in TfL and you will have an opportunity to really impact on the lives of Londoners. I don't know where I'll be in the next few years - and that's what is so great about the organisation - there are so many different opportunities. I imagine I will be doing something different - but where that will be I really don't know yet. I really didn't think I would still be here eight years on - but all my roles have been so diverse and I am still being continuously challenged which really keeps me motivated.