6 Months @Human Engine!

By Max Beckett

This week, we're spotlighting our greatest asset: our people. Join us as we delve into the stories and achievements of the remarkable individuals who make up our team. Stay tuned for a closer look at the talents and experiences that drive us forward.

Kicking off our series, Max Beckett offers a candid reflection on his journey since joining Human Engine.

After joining Human Engine 6 months ago I have learnt and developed a significant amount both personally and professionally. With it being my first experience of the public sector and primarily Local Government, there has been a large amount to learn and understand but that's been an enjoyable and generally smooth process with the HE team.

So far, I think the biggest takeaway is the complexities and challenges that Local Government and the Public Sector face. Like everyone, having been a user of their services my whole life I never really appreciated the breadth and depth of services they provide and the demand to do so on a daily basis, with such high expectation and requirements yet often significantly less financial capabilities. In turn, due to the scope of the organisations we work with, there is a huge variety of situations and challenges we and our clients face, keeping the work interesting and very meaningful!

A particular area I've personally found of interest is the commercial side, covering procurement, commissioning, and income generation. With the increasing funding deficits Councils and similar organisations are facing, commercialising where possible is becoming more of a priority. With my background in studying Business Management at University and my brief experience in the Private Sector during a placement year, I've been able to translate some of the knowledge and skills I learnt and apply these to work with clients, in particular, a project I'm currently working on with the City of London Corporation . The primary focus of the work to date has been to conduct a diagnostic review of the organisations income generation and developing an overarching commercial strategy and toolkit for the present and future.

My favourite moment so far has been the on-site workshop we recently held at the Guildhall, which allowed us to meet some of our colleagues from the Corporation in person and have an interactive session - and get a sense of the amazing assets they own!

After my experience so far joining as a Graduate straight out of University, I would highly recommend to anyone interested to apply as it's a great opportunity to significantly contribute to real time projects on things that make a real difference. For those interested, keep an eye out in around 6 months for potential Graduate opportunities!