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Michael’s placement year was vital in his development

Responsible for the safe and timely running of one of London’s busiest Underground lines, Michael Kelly not only gained vital skills at the University of Gloucestershire but also met the love of his life next door. Michael graduated in 2013 in Business Management with Human Resources Management, and found a place on the Transport for London Graduate Scheme. He spent two years working in a variety of roles before managing tube drivers on the Jubilee Line. He is now a Service Controller on the Piccadilly Line, the fourth business line on the Underground network with more than 210 million passengers a year, serving tourist attractions including Leicester Square and Covent Garden, as well as London Heathrow Airport. Michael said university helped shape the graduate he became and gave him a wide skillset. “University helped develop my ability to work in teams which is such a fundamental part of the world of work. Even when working on a solo project you’re ability to work collaboratively is so important and all the group work at university really helped sharpen my skills in that regard. My placement year was vital in my development. “It gave me the opportunity to learn the basics of the world of work such as learning what Outlook was and the fact I need to iron my shirts! Your time at university will give you a really wide and varied skill set. If you’re not sure what you want to do when you graduate don’t worry. You’ll be able to apply your skills to nearly any industry. I never thought I’d end up in an operational role on the railways. Living in halls was a fantastic experience and my next door neighbour from Grace Villa is now my wife!”