Insider profil
Keen to receive questions about
Top Insider Advice
I started as a Pensions Administrator when I first joined the company. Since then, I have worked in Finance, Mortgages, Testing and then onto Analysis where I became a Lead managing others to develop in their role. The company is large, and opportunities are presented regularly to allow you to try out jobs you may have an interest in until you find the right job for you. The company also supports staff in life changing events allowing me to go part time and then when the kids are older to increase my hours to ensure I have the right work life balance.
Career path
Lead Business Analyst
Phoenix Group
Started 12/1993 to PresentCompany
What do you like about your job and the company?
No two days are ever the same working on Projects. Moving from one project to another allows me to widen my stakeholder engagement skills and learn about new things every day. All stakeholders have different expectations, so I find it a challenge to work out with new ones their preferred method of engagement. You never know which projects you will be allocated to, and the variety keeps me interested in my job. Every new project feels like a new start in a new job and helps to ensure you are never disengaged as you need to try to form new working relationships to deliver the end goal.
Greatest achievements
I was part of a team to introduce an Interactive Voice Recognition system into Standard Life Bank which reduced the headcount to deal with mundane/repetitive customer requests allowing the Customer Service Representatives to handle more complex calls with customers and the solicitors we engaged with. The implementation went so well we were recognised and awarded a Customer Service Innovation Award up against other leading Pension, Assurance and Banking providers. The Interactive Voice Recognition system was then introduced to the wider Pension and Assurance side of the business resulting in huge Customer Service Representative efficiencies and a better customer service provision.
Jonathan M
Top Insider Advice
Be open to new opportunities, which make you smile We are in a growth business, and a growth mindset compliments this. I am a big believer in doing things which make you happy and working on your strengths. I feel like I have found this here
Simon I
Facilities Project Manager
Top Insider Advice
Always have a career plan, no matter how vague and set your self targets/goals that you want. Be flexible though, as sometimes you may need to take an indirect route to get to your next goal. Opportunities will come along that might not be an exact fit to the plan, sometimes you will use your head and other times your heart to choose whether to take up an opportunity but keep the plan in the back of your mind at all times. Its good to always consult your friends or colleagues, be prepared to be challenged, embrace this though, do not fight it. You should always listen and take account of both sides an argument, that way you can make and take informed decisions and actions. No such thing as failure and do not be afraid to make mistakes, no matter how careful you are, they will happen, so don't stress it, use that energy for getting things done. When mistakes do happen, own them, be accountable and learn from them. Your mistakes and those made by others are all part of what makes you. They are as important was your successes and make sure you add them to your building experience and knowledge. These lessons can be applied anywhere and will increase your personal resilience. You own your career, no one else, take those opportunities that fit.
David B
Senior Risk Manager
Top Insider Advice
Only you will truly know yourself and what you do and do not like. When you are deciding on a role you have to weigh up is it appropriate for you, but also what is your 'gut feel'. Not just about the role, but the people and organisation. You will spend many years of your life in the workplace, so it is critical you enjoy what you do. I have been fortunate in that 95% of time I have loved the work, experiences and people I have worked with. There will always be tasks we don't quiet enjoy, but it is my fondness for the role which has kept me here for 22 years
