Insider profil
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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.
Career path
Test Engineer
First Central
Started 08/2022 to PresentPolicy Review Specialist
First Central
From 08/2021 to 07/2022Travel and Lifestyle Consultant
American Express
From 02/2016 to 07/2021Company
What do you like about your job and the company?
At First Central we want to make the online journey easier for users, whether it’s the Quote to Buy journey, Online Renewal journey etc. The good thing about these projects is that we are involved from early stages and attend story mapping sessions to go though ideas of how to simplify the journeys and to give our advice on testing approaches. It also gives us the opportunity to put out ideas the business may not have thought about. This is rewarding because once the project has been finished and has been released into the Live environment it’s being used by millions of customers.
Greatest achievements
Looking back my greatest achievement is succeeding in a new industry and finding a career path I was completely unaware of. I immersed myself in learning, understanding the market and getting guidance from my new colleagues to enhance my skill set and understanding. Making this change has really taught me that with a growth mindset, determination and willingness to jump into the unknown you really can achieve success in unfamiliar territory. This doesn’t stop at work. I put it into my personal life by trying new things that I wouldn’t imagine doing like abseiling down the side of a castle for charity!
Becky H
Finance Change Lead
Top Insider Advice
Had I not taken on a secondment I don’t think I would have found a role that I’m able to excel in and enjoy. This was a change to what I was used to as I’d never been part of a project team before. There were ups and downs but through my willingness to learn and put in effort I have found my niche and even now I don’t stop learning and understanding processes I may not have had exposure to in the past.
Maria S
L&D Director
Top Insider Advice
Development never stops so own it; be the driver of your own skills development. Take time to build relationships and networks. Be brave to use your voice. No question is a stupid question so speak up if you need to ask or want to understand. Stay curious: everyone is human regardless of their level. People are always on hand to help so be confident to ask for it! Culture is key and great teams make great things happen!
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!
