When I first started with Enterprise Rent-A-Car after college, I never thought I would be sitting here as an Area Manager in Ireland but then again, my life at Enterprise has been full of surprises!
I started with Enterprise in 2005 as a management trainee in our Cambridge branch when the company was a lot smaller in the UK than it is now. I had just graduated from my Sports Management degree and was eager to get my foot on the career ladder. It was actually one of my friends from University that suggested I apply.
I worked hard as a management trainee and learned how to run our business, grow the fleet and manage a team which would go on to benefit me when I was promoted.
Within two years I was promoted to assistant manager of our Ipswich branch and this is when things really took off for me. I spent four months as assistant manager before being promoted to branch manager of Mildenhall and then another couple of months later I was promoted to branch manager of Ipswich, a bigger branch. In this role, I was really able to realise my strengths and, through the support of my mentors and management, I was able to develop and the skills that I needed to effectively manage my business and help it become even more successful.
From here, I was promoted into our Remarketing Department where I learned about a different aspect of our business and how my contribution through reselling our cars could make a real impact on our business.
With each role, I gained more responsibility and had the autonomy to make decisions that would directly positively impact the business. This is where I realised the real strength of our Graduate Management Trainee program, I have been able to identify my strengths and use them through different areas and departments of our business while all the time gaining different experience.
I was promoted last summer to area manager of South Dublin and the East Coast Region in Ireland. I am now running a bigger business, with responsibility for 9 branches. I am lucky that I have the opportunity to develop and support a large team within my area who are growing our business and providing exceptional customer service.
Throughout my career I am lucky to have had some fantastic mentors, through both our formal mentoring program and informally too. The great thing about the company that I work in is that everyone wants you to get promoted. There is such a high level of support and development that it is hard not to get excited about your career prospects.
After getting my foot on that career ladder back in 2005 as a management trainee, I am still as focused on my career as ever before. My future goals include continuing to be promoted through the company and helping those around me do the same.
If I could give any graduate one piece of advice when starting off on your career it is to work hard and listen to and ask for as much advice as possible – the people at the top really do know what they are talking about!
Apply for our graduate management jobs and summer and year-long internships by following the links.