Insider profil

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Luke P.

Test Engineer

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Technology and Data

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Career DevelopmentEveryday LifeGeneralOur CulturePeople & DiversityRoleWhy usWork & Life with Us

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.
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Career path

Test Engineer

First Central

Started 08/2022 to Present

Policy Review Specialist

First Central

From 08/2021 to 07/2022

Travel and Lifestyle Consultant

American Express

From 02/2016 to 07/2021

Company

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!
Other insiders

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

Jacob H

Performance Analyst

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!

Lauren M

Top Insider Advice

If you’re applying for an Early Careers role such as a Graduate or Apprentice scheme, hiring managers won’t expect you to have a whole host of work experience to draw upon. They will, however, be looking to understand what kind of person you are, what skills you have, and what makes you tick! So don’t be afraid to talk about the sports team you play for or manage at the weekend, the examinations you’ve racked up for playing a musical instrument, your involvement in a community group or your passion for learning foreign languages!
Discussions with Luke P
Tell me about the most rewarding part of your job?
in Career Tips·Wednesday, March 29, 2023
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3 responses
145 views
What does growth and development look like here?
in Career progression·Tuesday, May 9, 2023
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3 responses
154 views
What are, in your opinion, the main advantages of working here?
in Career Tips·Thursday, October 19, 2023
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2 responses
43 views
Tell me about your biggest challenge in the last 3 months?
in Career Tips·Tuesday, January 16, 2024
1 response
13 views
How would you describe this company in 3 words?
in Career Tips·Tuesday, April 30, 2024
1 response
13 views