Matt Smith has been a busy bee since he started the Working
Links Graduate Scheme in September. Four months in and the trainee
manager has glimpsed all aspects of the company and become part of
our hive.
Currently based in our Leicester office, we
caught up with Matt to see how things are going.
Hi Matt, How’s the scheme
going?
I’m really enjoying it. I’m constantly
increasing my knowledge base, and meeting new and interesting
people from around the business.
Fantastic, so what did you do before
you decided to apply?
I worked as a consultant on the Pathways
contract with the company. But before that I’d worked as an
administrator, worked at Debenhams and as a jeweller for
Beaverbrooks.
So why did you apply for the
scheme?
I read the description of the graduate scheme
and was curious to know more. I also wanted to expand my knowledge
of the company as a whole.
It’s quite a big company! Have you
been able to visit the different departments?
Yes, I’ve been lucky because I’ve visited
quite a few different areas. I’ve been to our Covent Garden and
Birmingham offices for training and workshops and Northampton and
Corby to work as a host. The host role gives a great insight into
how customer service and quality are embedded in our approach. The
best part of the role was meeting new and interesting people both
in the customers and other consultants. On the flip side the
challenge was to prioritise my workload whilst feeling under
pressure from the multitude of tasks; this certainly took some
adjustment but eventually became routine.
That’s quite a few in just four
months. What’s the best bit about the scheme?
It would have to be the variation. Everyday is
different. For example, over the next few months I’ll see how the
Employer Solutions Team works and what is involved in being a
Tutor.
Have you had any training to help you
get to grips with the different departments?
I’ve been on a few training courses including
the Consultant Diagnostics Programme and the Reach Management
Programme as well as attending management workshops at the Covent
Garden office. But the best training is actually doing the job! I
found the Consultant role to be full of ups and downs but I’m glad
to say mostly ups. No two days and no two clients are the same.
There is a great feeling to know that you’re are directly
influencing someone’s life for the better and helping them to
overcome obstacles and reach their potential. The difficulty is
some customers need a lot more time than is available.
It seems we need someone unique to
fulfil this position then? What qualities do people need to fulfil
the graduate role successfully?
You certainly need ambition because Working
Links allows you to progress both personally and professionally.
You also need the desire to develop and you also need to be
proactive and think on your feet. It also helps to be a good
listener and use sound judgement.
What do you do on a day to day
basis?
I have to check customer appointments for the
day, go through any unread emails, answer phone queries, book
customer appointments and assist any other members of staff as
required.
We’re keeping you on your toes then!
Ideally what would you like to do in the future?
I would like to be a successful performance
manager with a hands-on approach with proven results.
So what have you learnt so
far?
I’ve learnt the roles and responsibilities of
key areas within the business and given logical and sometimes
abstract approach to problem solving.
Is this a role you would
recommend?
I would recommend it because it offers a
holistic view of the company including the varying job roles. It
gives you a better understanding of all the individual pieces which
create the whole. It feels good to know there are people trying to
make a difference and even better to know that I’m a part of
that.