Elena Foster
Click here to meet Elena (video)
"I started at Swan in 2006 as a Graduate Trainee in the Development team. Having done some limited project work at the previous company I worked for, I was keen to develop these skills within a graduate role after finishing uni in 2005.
As part of Swan’s graduate programme, we are encouraged to undertake a funded masters course to expand our knowledge base and provide us with job specific qualifications. The choice of masters available is extensive. I’ve chosen to do a Built Environment course at UCL Barlett, whilst other graduates are studying Project Management at Greenwich. One of the things which attracted me to Swan was their staff investment approach and the way in which they provide us with the tools to enable us to combine work and study.
From the first week of my employment at Swan, I’ve been involved in many of the company’s high profile schemes, including: Craylands and Fryerns Regeneration, Five Links (Stages 2 and 3) and Crossways (Phases 1-11). I’ve been encouraged from an early stage to take an active role in project delivery, and all the line managers are proactive in developing our management skills. All staff within our team have regular one to ones with managerial staff, to ensure we are fully supported throughout the learning process."