How did being part of Verastar’s graduate programme help you in your development early on in your career?

It was a massive eye opener into the practical sense of working in a sales driven business. University is all about theory and you sometimes skirt round organisational culture. The scheme I was on was challenging, it helped develop my tenacity. We gained exposure across the whole company and to all senior management very quickly… in what other company can you gain that?

How has your career developed since successfully completing the graduate programme?

After the programme I did another year essentially going round under performing departments and assisting with management, driving improvements and looking at their processes. I did that for a year and then I moved position to essentially begin to manage small projects. I learnt about project management, stakeholder management and communications. In 2013, I was promoted to Programme Manager and have my own team that lead many of the key changes within the business.

What would your advice be to a new graduate in order for them to make the most of the opportunities available?

Stick with it when it gets tough, as long as your building your character it will be worth it in the end. Take responsibility for your own development and actions – the opportunities are available if you grab them with both hands.

How did being part of Verastar’s graduate programme help you in your development early on in your career?

The scheme gives you exposure to all areas of the business, letting you learn about your strengths and weakness. I learnt about communication skills and customer service when working in the contact centre, I built on my strategic and analytical skills during the projects and operational rotations. Learning so much in only 12 months really built my confidence and my understanding of how this business operates.

How has your career developed since successfully completing the graduate programme?

I have had varied responsibilities throughout my time at Verastar. My first role involved reviewing our current recruitment processes within our contact centre. I had a real opportunity to make a difference early on with the introduction of new candidate attraction and assessment methods. Considering my degree was in History and Philosophy, Verastar has given me the opportunity to gain all the skills and experience I need for a career in HR and I now have a job I love where I can really add value.

What would your advice be to a new graduate in order for them to make the most of the opportunities available?

Ask lots of questions and really get to know each area of the business you spend time in, understanding how everything works will be invaluable, whatever role you end up in. Take time to learn who your key stakeholders are, it’s really important you ask the right people the right questions to ensure you come up with solutions that solve the problems and add business value.

How is the scheme contributing to your career development? 

I had incredibly limited understanding of the professional world prior to starting at Verastar and I was not sure what direction to take my career. I did know however, that staying in Manchester and working with a company that invests in its people was a real priority. The Graduate Management Programme has allowed me to do this whilst also improving a wide range of my skills.

Why do you think you are a great fit for Verastar?

Verastar has a forward-thinking entrepreneurial spirit built into its DNA. Working for a company that encourages you to have a crack at something you want to try is incredibly beneficial to anyone starting their career. I’m happy that I’ve been given the chance to prove myself!

What would your advice be to a new graduate?

Get stuck in! Working at Verastar is a great opportunity for anyone to push their limits and the company rewards those who can learn from their experiences. I have been given opportunities to drive my own professional development at each juncture in the Graduate Management Programme. The support throughout my time has been fantastic.

How is the scheme contributing to your career development? 

When leaving university, I wanted a graduate scheme that provided fast career progression, with variety and opportunities tailored to me. The Graduate Management Programme has fulfilled this desire. I now want to progress to become a Senior IT Business Analyst and continue to help drive positive change to allow the business to continue its current rate of rapid growth.

Why do you think you are a great fit for Verastar?

Capturing requirements from a variety of stakeholders and translating these into meaningful improvements is something that I really enjoy doing. There is a fun atmosphere within the team and we work hard towards the same goal.

What would your advice be to a new graduate?

What you put in is really what you get out of the Graduate Management Programme. If you are motivated to apply yourself, the rewards are there. The business is really open to ideas that can help. Always feel free to ask “why” and “what if” as it maximises your development.