“My placement has given me much more experience to add to my CV.”

Shivangi Shankar joined Wales & West Housing in June on a 16-week placement through the Get into Housing programme run by Cardiff Community Housing Association (CCHA). Born in India, Shivangi is hoping to secure work within the Welsh housing sector since graduating from Cardiff University. We recently caught up with Shivangi to hear about her experience.

How did you first find out about the Get into Housing programme?

After completing my Masters at Cardiff University, I was actively searching for jobs within housing associations. While browsing LinkedIn, I came across a post from Cardiff Community Housing Association (CCHA) advertising the Get into Housing programme. I reached out to the project manager, who asked me to send my CV. Within two weeks I got a call back from CCHA to say they forwarded my application to Wales & West Housing. Shortly after, I was called for an interview, and two weeks later, I began my journey with WWH.

What were you doing before starting the placement with Wales & West Housing?

I did a five-year bachelor’s course in architecture in India. My interest in social housing began during an internship with a community housing organisation in Pune, India. I wanted to do something for the community and be involved in Urban Development as well. I worked on projects within ‘informal settlements’ commonly referred to as ‘slums’, where I engaged with the residents to raise awareness about government benefits and provided assistance in accessing them. I was also involved in a slum redevelopment project under a government scheme in the Maharashtra, state focusing on creating safe spaces and sanitation facilities for the residents. I have worked for other organisations and they all sparked my passion for community work and urban development. After gaining insights from my experiences, I decided to come to the UK to pursue a master’s course in Urban and Regional Development at Cardiff University.

What challenges have you faced when looking for work?

Getting a job as an international student hasn’t been easy, especially since most of my housing experience was in India. I found it difficult to land interviews since I did not have experience working in the UK which is often required in applications.

What have you been doing during your placement?

I’ve been working with the Housing Support Team, handling resident calls and assisting with their needs. It has introduced me to the world of housing and I’m learning every day about housing support. I’ve also had the opportunity to visit residents and shadow my line manager, who is a Housing Officer, and have gained an understanding of the schemes, benefits and how she manages her tasks efficiently and deals with residents. I’ve spent time with the Development Team visiting some of the new housing sites and learning about the planning process.

 “I’ve learnt so much about the housing sector and have gained an insight into tenancies and how housing benefits provide support to residents.”
Get into Housing, Shivangi Shankar 

What skills have you developed during your time at Wales & West Housing? 

I would say communication is a skill I have developed during my placement at Wales & West Housing. As a naturally introverted person, this was challenging at first. When it comes to transferable skills, I’ve learnt about customer service and people management. I’ve gained confidence through answering residents’ calls, listening to their concerns and providing support as much as possible.

“I have gained some invaluable skills that will definitely help me in the future.”
Get into Housing, Shivangi Shankar 

How has your placement at Wales & West Housing helped you with applying for other jobs? 

My placement has given me much more experience to add to my CV. Now I’m applying for jobs within housing associations and government organisations and I’m getting replies and being called for interviews. I’m very grateful for the Get into Housing program. It’s been an amazing experience. My priority now is to ­­gain more experience and make meaningful contributions to the housing sector.