Insider profil
Keen to receive questions about
Top Insider Advice
The army taught me a lot about personal values and it’s something I always look back to. Apply them into everything you do and you’ll go far. Make it clear where you want to get to in the future and take opportunities to learn and grow to get there. Always reach out to people as you never know where this will take you. Most importantly, do things outside your comfort zone regularly and what was previously daunting or hard will become easy!
Career path
Fraud Team Leader
First Central
Started 05/2021 to PresentCombat Medical Technician
British Army
From 03/2011 to 04/2018Company
What do you like about your job and the company?
I have the pleasure of interviewing potential colleagues. It’s amazing to meet someone at interview stage then, fast forward a year, seeing them pass probation and move through the levels. Growing as individuals and employees, learning skills and progressing through their own careers. It’s amazing to be part of that journey to help mentor and guide them.
Greatest achievements
This is a huge achievement I’ve always been proud of. I was a lead medic in a team based in Moyamba, Sierra Leone, treating Ebola patients alongside providing clinical support to locals. This was one of my first experiences in a leadership role and I learnt so much from the six months I spent there. It was an extremely challenging operation, however one that will stand out forever because I grew so much during this period. It was here I realised just how important teamwork is in a lot of the work we do and that’s something I’ll always take away from this experience.
Parisa M
Risk & Compliance Governance Manager
Top Insider Advice
Whatever you’re good at, whether it be organisation or leadership or analytics, try your best to draw on those skills within your current role to really showcase what you do well. And not just in your role, look at other roles such as championing or volunteering to provide additional opportunities to really highlight what you are good at. This may then give you the chance to consider where you have improvements to make and think about how that can be achieved through shadowing, mentoring or further education / courses. There are so many opportunities at First Central to shine a light on our talents or improve our weaknesses. Take them!
Luke P
Test Engineer
Top Insider Advice
Going above and beyond in your career can be a game changer. It’s not just about meeting expectations, it’s about exceeding them consistently. When moving to the Test Engineering team I had a lot to learn instantly and a few things that I could pick up once I got more confident in the role. To be more efficient I wanted to make sure I could do the more complex parts of the role so I taught myself how to do database searches and automation testing using Selenium in my own time. Going the extra mile not only showcases your dedication but also your commitment to the department and company. Going above and beyond can set you apart and open doors to new and exciting possibilities.
Jemma R
Talent Manager
Top Insider Advice
I have rarely asked for or applied for promotions during my career, generally feeling I was happy where I was and not wanting loads more responsibility, especially since I lost my 21-month-old daughter in 2015. I wanted to come to work, enjoy it and then go home without any added pressures (plus I hate being interviewed!) I think I have naturally progressed and become involved in other things, specifically over the past 10 years. I’ve done it by working hard, being loyal and putting effort into everything I do. I’ve been lucky that my managers have always recognised my potential and pushed me to progress myself and my career. It’s definitely helped when working for the same company for a number of years! I could probably have progressed a bit quicker if I had pushed for it, but that’s not me and that’s ok. You don’t have to be pushy to get where you want to be; it might just take a little longer.
