Insider profil
Keen to receive questions about
Top Insider Advice
Ever since I started as a handler, I’ve constantly pushed for positive change, working with different business areas throughout my tenure and learning from each experience. When I think back to my application to become a Performance Analyst, I was lucky I could pull experiences from my time as a handler and team leader. However, they weren't all huge changes to processes or massive improvements to performance. Nothing is too small; as long as you’re tenacious, inquisitive and excited by continuous improvement, you're already halfway there!
Career path
Performance Analyst
First Central
Started 09/2023 to PresentClaims Customer Team Leader
First Central
From 06/2022 to 10/2023Senior Fraud Analyst
First Central
From 08/2021 to 05/2022Company
What do you like about your job and the company?
I love that I’m given the freedom to proactively approach any potential issues and am empowered to create a solution. Working with several different business areas, I can reach out and speak to many different people within the organisation, which helps me to understand the problems they may face. This gives me the motivation to stay on top of my game, researching new ways to review data sets, as well as fresh approaches for resolving issues.
Greatest achievements
Shortly before moving to my current role, I was able to organise a charity ‘Deal or No Deal’ themed raffle. Colleagues were able to buy tickets for mystery boxes that had hidden prizes. This raffle was a massive step for me as having to sell tickets, secure prizes and host the raffle draw in front of over 200 people was as far outside my comfort zone as I’ve ever been! Thankfully, we were able to rely on the generosity of our local businesses, as well as our own Exec team, who donated various prizes, including vouchers, spirits and even Airpod Pros! The team raised a staggering £2k, which the business then matched as it was for our chosen charity, Chestnut Tree House. I love that I can make a difference both inside and outside the business.
Oyinda O
Head of Operational Excellence Development
Top Insider Advice
Often people have limitations set by others or sometimes even by themselves that stop them from progressing to that next level both in life and in their career. Self-belief is one of the key stepping stones to building confidence in yourself and your abilities. Imposter syndrome is something most people who enjoy varying levels of success have dealt with at some point or another in their careers. It is important to recognise that this can manifest in many forms, such as doubts about your skill level, not applying for that role even when you meet the requirements or generally not going for the things you want. Once you see that happening, you can start to take the necessary steps to overcome the negative self-talk. Start to engage with people who’ve achieved the type of career success you’re looking for. Surround yourself with positive people who encourage and believe in your success. Apply for that role! You never know what could happen
Julia B
Top Insider Advice
Don’t feel trapped within a certain career route. Think about the skills you have and see if you can use them in a different role. Find a company to work for that has an open, fair and equitable pay structure. If you need to take a step back and focus on your family that’s okay too. I’ve been able to return to a career at a later stage. Look for a company that invests in everyone regardless of their age/personal circumstances and will support your career post kids. Get as much work experience as possible, (and encourage your kids to get some too), and try different projects/experiences within your role so you have something for your CV.
Adam W
Product Manager
Top Insider Advice
It sounds obvious, but sometimes it can be easy to perform the actions required for your role in a way that doesn’t best amplify your strengths. Be acutely aware of your own strengths and play to them, putting together a development plan for areas of improvement. I’d recommend developing your strengths too. Just because you’re naturally good at something doesn’t mean you should rest on your laurels. Have a mindset of wanting to move from the top 10% to top 1%. Always welcome feedback too whether it’s positive or constructive. Don’t take constructive feedback negatively, to be imperfect is to be human. We all have areas we can improve on.
