We spoke to Shaieke Granston who started her Business West journey in November 2021 to catch-up with how she found the programme and why she decided to join the company as a full time employee in the events team.
Last time we spoke to you, you'd only been here for 2 weeks! Can you sum up the main changes you've gone through in your career at Business West since then?
Since coming off The Kickstart Programme in January 2021, I was given two 3 month contract extensions to continue working in the marketing department, where I worked with several members of the team, giving me the chance to learn about the different areas of the business. When that came to an end, a role came up within the events team which I applied for and am currently still doing and enjoying!
Although changing teams and adapting to different management / team styles was a challenge, it has been a good learning experience. Having had a taste of lots of different leadership approaches, I now recognise the ways that I work best and am able to communicate this across more confidently.
I’ve really enjoyed meeting new people, both from inside and outside of the company, and helping to run the wide range of events that Business West host. I think I'm well suited to the events team as I like getting stuck in with setting up the events and playing an active role in the delivery of them – any positive feedback from attendees is always a bonus.
What would you say you’re most proud of when looking back over the past year at Business West?
I would have to say the main thing would be how much my confidence has grown since joining Business West. When I first started, I found it hard to remember what each area of the business did and who worked where, but now I feel like I could answer most questions that people might have about the company.
I’m still learning and developing every day, and there’s always something new to get involved in. I also feel able to be creative within my role and put ideas forward in front of my colleagues. During the pandemic I found it really difficult at times to come out of my shell and leave my flat, so I'm proud to feel more social. The friendly people at Business West and our office at Leigh Court has definitely helped with this, and I now look forward to coming in during the week and taking walks around Leigh Woods during lunch.
How much did the kickstart programme help you get to where you are with work now?
The Kickstart Scheme truly launched my career. I really appreciated the extra support it provided me with, such as giving me the chance to speak to other Kickstarters and being given a mentor who helped me set up my Linkedin page, amongst other things. The grant that I received through the programme also allowed me to go on a two day Premier Pro training course which is a valuable skill that I can use inside and outside of work.
Why did you decide to apply for a full time role at Business West?
When my contract in the marketing department came to an end I had a realisation that I wasn’t ready to leave Business West yet, so was grateful that the opportunity came up in the events team.
I’ve learnt a lot about myself at Business West, and have found the support and attention to individual growth through training and development really useful. The ICS Colours training that I attended in June last year taught me a lot about my style of working, and how to communicate this effectively to other people who may approach tasks differently.
From my experience, it’s not always easy to find a company that makes you feel so comfortable and valued, and I’m really happy to have a supportive team to learn from. It’s given me the stability and confidence I need to take on new challenges and keep improving my skills.
If you’re looking for a career change we might have the perfect opportunity for you. You can stay up to date with our current vacancies on Linkedin, or by visiting our website.
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