My First Ever Leonardo Mobility Start-Up Seminar

As the newest member of the Leonardo Mobility team, I really didn’t know what to expect at my second day of work but I was looking forward to it. The Start-Up Seminar had a number of presentations aimed towards both new and experienced promoters who had recently been granted funding from the Leonardo programme for Mobility projects. It was a great introduction to the programme, both for me, and for new organisations.  I expected to see a fairly large number of attendees at the seminar, and I wasn’t disappointed; there were around one hundred promoters that had arrived.  However, my nerves were quickly cast aside as I began to introduce myself and mingle with the open and welcoming attendees who I found to be very friendly.

When the seminar started and I had taken my seat, I immediately realised that most of the people at my table were experienced promoters. Their friendliness and enthusiasm about this seminar and their projects soon broke the barriers of communication between us and I found myself becoming part of the discussion in no time! I soon found out that the Mobility Start-Up Seminar was designed to enlighten both new and old promoters on the upcoming stages that would take place during their projects, and basically how to get their project off to a running start!

It was a great chance for any promoters to voice their concerns and have their queries answered by experienced project officers. Another highlight during the day was a chance to hear which practice methods had proven successful with experienced promoters and how some problems they had encountered had been overcome.

Advice and guidance

If you are looking for the advice and guidance from the seminar, or were unable to attend the event, you can find a resource pack on our website. This includes the presentations discussed in the seminar as well as useful hints and tips:

http://www.leonardo.org.uk/page.asp?section=00010001005700010001&sectionTitle=Mobility+Start+Up+Seminar

Promoter experiences

For me, it was a case study from one of our promoter, which gave me a sharper insight into how everything fits together. Diana, the project manager from United Euro Bridge gave a vastly entertaining presentation that guided other organisations through the highs and potential pitfalls of managing a project. Having the opportunity to hear the concerns of the promoters around me, especially in such a humorous way was also a key part of the day. I felt that it gave me a valuable insight into the concerns that they share, and definitely showed the lighter side of project management!

Overall, I think that this seminar delivered its goals of enlightening those like me, who knew little about the steps ahead and how they need to be handled. I was also reassured about the great role a team can play in order to achieve the objectives of the project. I felt very lucky to have attended the Start-Up Seminar because at the end l felt reassured and confident that l had a better understanding of what to expect in the coming days.

This seminar has been a great overview to the work of the LLP and has helped me settle into my role. Lastly as we were leaving, I was glad to hear how a group of promoters who had travelled down from Scotland state how worthwhile the seminar had been. I couldn’t help but I agree with them.

About me

Hi, my name is Menzi and I have recently joined Ecorys as an Assistant Project Manager. I am a keen football fan who is totally devoted to Arsenal FC.  Trying new things as well as having a good time with friends perfectly describes what I like to do in my free time.  One of my personal ambitions is to travel around the world and enjoy as many new experiences as I possibly can.