Alexandra Kemp started our graduate
programme in May 2010, but she’s been part of the Working Links
team since April 2008 when she joined as a customer advisor for the
Pathways contract, and was promoted to Quality Coordinator within a
year.
What did you do before you worked
with us?
I worked in the mortgage industry and hoped
to become CMAP qualified, but I was unable to continue with this
due to redundancy. I didn’t know a lot about the welfare to work
industry, or Working Links, before I started my employment, but was
soon happy in the knowledge that I was working for an organisation
which has values and changes people’s lives in such a positive way.
I only have qualifications up to GCSE level and did not attend
university, but Working Links recognised potential in me and gave
me a fantastic opportunity regardless of this, and I am hugely
grateful.
Why did you decide to apply for the
scheme?
I really enjoyed working within the contact
centre for the Pathways programme, but I didn’t feel challenged or
that I got job satisfaction. I knew I wanted to continue my
employment with Working Links but I couldn’t see where I would fit
in best, so I began job shadowing other members of staff both
corporately and operationally to try and get a feel for different
roles within the company. Then I came across the Graduate Programme
on FrameWork and it seemed the perfect opportunity to experience
different roles, get good exposure and meet some fantastic people
within the organisation.
How are you finding the
scheme?
I have really enjoyed each stage of the
scheme so far, previously I have only worked within the Business
Support side and did not hugely grasp what our people did on the
front line, it has been both interesting and inspiring to see the
lengths our operations teams go to, to help our customers achieve
their goals. The scheme has given me the opportunity, so far to
experience first customer contact, as the host and understand what
an important role they play within an office, through to the
consultant role, getting to know a customer, engage with them and
help them recognise and face those barriers that stand in their way
to employment, however small.
Have you worked with anyone or a
particular team that has inspired you?
Over the last six months I have met so
many people within the organisation, all of whom have inspired me
in some way and taught me something. The amount of people who are
willing to give up their time to deliver workshops and to spend
time with those on the scheme has made me feel very privileged; you
really do get amazing support from all.
Would you recommend
us?
The Graduate Scheme is a great opportunity
for any graduate looking for an exciting and challenging career
path, and for those people I would certainly recommend Working
Links. I would also encourage current employees within the
organisation, who feel like they would like to develop their
career, to consider applying. I have definitely been pushed
out of my comfort zone over the last few months and feel that that
alone has hugely helped me develop as a person and given me the
confidence I need to succeed.
Working Links is fantastic at giving
people the opportunity to develop and, for those individuals with
the necessary drive and enthusiasm, the Graduate Scheme is the
perfect opportunity to do so.