Currently an Analyst, with experience in CS and Business Development.
My career began in Customer Services as a Retail Assistant, this is where I really developed my communication skills. It was important to be adaptable and accepting of other diverse personalities. I then moved to the NHS as a PPE Coordinator in Customer Services. Building upon my pre-existing skills, this was much more fast paced. It was fundamental for hospitals and surgeries to receive equipment quickly, therefore I had to learn to work under pressure. Alongside these employment opportunities, I was studying for my Business and Management degree which I have now successfully completed and have gained a first-class honours. An element of my degree involved a placement year, where I worked as a Business Development Analyst for a global law firm named Gowling WLG. I worked within the bids team; this was incredibly challenging. I had to work with lawyers and stretch myself to complete projects within a tight deadline. Working remotely meant that communication was even more significant.
Currently an Analyst, in CS, involves forecast & demand analysis
I'm currently on the two-year business rotational graduate programme. Each rotation consists of a time period of 6 months. My first function is within the Heritage division of Phoenix Group named Reassure. I'm working as an Analyst within the Reporting and Forecasting team. My role involves data analysis for customer demand and forecasting. I am responsible for monitoring the weekly headcount of the CS department, producing high level summaries and will soon be responsible for completing 'Impact Assessments' for new change projects that come through. My role is very diverse and fast-paced, due to the nature of the role it's important to be agile and recognise that innovation comes from constant change.
The ability to work for a large FTSE 100 company in a dynamic team
Each day and week are completely different. When I first began the role, I was working on data analysis of customer demand on spikes. Now I am fully immersed into the team. I have the opportunity to work with senior managers on a daily basis and assist with Power BI reports. As the work is customer-driven, you feel like you are adding value to the team and the wider company.
Never take rejection seriously, what is meant to be, will be
My recruitment journey was a rollercoaster. When I was in my final year of university, I was so certain that I wanted a job lined up for when I leave university. Therefore, I began applying 8 months in advance. Although it sounds like I was prepared, I wasn't prepared for rejection. I used to apply to roles whereby all the duties and responsibilities would fit perfectly, but the reality is that the employee market is so competitive. I received hundreds of rejections where I put my heart and soul into job applications. My advice is therefore simple, never take rejection seriously. Go with the flow, take feedback on board. This enhances your interview skills. You develop as an individual. Through constant rejection, you will land your dream role. Most importantly, do not undermine yourself throughout the recruitment process. Keep going with utmost motivation.
Achieving a first-class honours in my bachelors degree.
Achieving a first-class honours degree was a huge achievement. I constantly doubted myself when I would encounter difficult modules. But I remained motivated and stuck with it. I formed revision and study plans, I made the impossible, possible. I even suffered close bereavements and my brother got married 3 days before my final year exams. But I did not let this set me back. I remained productive and focused, and by doing so I was able to achieve this amazing grade.
