Madiha Sajid from Talent & Culture talks to Avery Kitchens about his experience of the Talent Development Programme. Avery is the Department Operations Officer in the Analytics, Marketing & Operations at Imperial Business School

  • Question 1: Tell us how you applied for the Talent Development Programme? I worked as an Executive Assistant in the Department of Chemical Engineering from April 2023 to December 2025. I was encouraged to apply for the Talent Development Programme (TDP) by Anusha Sri-Pathmanathan, Director of Operations, who saw it as an opportunity for me to grow beyond my existing role. At the time, I felt ready for greater responsibility and a new challenge, but was unsure how to define or pursue the next step. The TDP stood out as a chance to stretch myself professionally, gain clarity about my direction, and connect with colleagues across the university.
  • Question 2: What were your highlights of participating in the programme?
    • Development Centre: One of the main highlights was the Development Centre, which provided structured, objective insight into my strengths and development areas. Receiving tailored feedback in a supportive setting gave me a strong foundation for future growth. The programme also created valuable time for reflection. Previously, I had been focused on delivering day-to-day responsibilities without stepping back to consider my long-term career aspirations. The TDP provided the space and tools to think more strategically about my professional journey.
    • Career Coach: Working with a career coach was another key benefit. Together, we developed a clear roadmap to explore roles aligned with my growth potential and to understand how my existing skills could transfer. A particularly important takeaway was understanding the difference between Level 3b and Level 4 roles, especially the shift from operational delivery to strategic thinking and people management. This clarity helped me prepare for progression and ultimately transition into a new role.
    • Shared Learning & Networking: The shared learning environment was equally impactful. Meeting colleagues from different faculties and professional services areas created a motivating space for networking and exchanging experiences. Access to senior leaders also helped demystify career progression, making senior roles feel more transparent and achievable.
  • Question 3: How did the programme help you in your career journey? As a result of the TDP, I gained the confidence to apply for and secure a Departmental Operations Officer role in the Business School. In this position, I manage HR and staffing, oversee faculty finances, and support departmental operations. The move reflects both my ambition and the management capability I developed through the programme.
  • Question 4: What advice would you give to the new cohort? My advice to new participants is to speak to hiring managers before applying, be confident and intentional in applications, and fully utilise available resources. To hiring managers, I would encourage active consideration of TDP participants for Level 4 roles, as with the right support, their potential impact is significant. I am deeply grateful to Nicola Stallwood, Madiha Sajid and Anisa Adan for delivering such a valuable programme.