I've been at Softcat for just over five years now. I originally joined as a Customer Service Apprentice and have worked my way up to Customer Service Team Leader, a role I've been doing and loving for a year now!
What is your current role?
Customer Service Team Leader
What drew you to apply at Softcat?
Despite having always thought that the IT industry wasn’t for me, when I did some proper research, the apprenticeship programme at Softcat really appealed to me. I was coming to the end of my gap year and had loved working full time and learning on the job. I soon realised university wasn't for me, and I wanted to continue my education in the workplace instead. Softcat looked like the perfect place for me to do this, with an amazing culture and a huge focus on the Softcat values.
Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give yourself at the start of the recruitment process?
Everybody in the recruitment process wanted me to do well and was backing me to succeed! Interviews and recruitment processes were something I used to get really anxious about, but everyone involved was so reassuring and kind right from the beginning, I felt as if I was treated like a valued employee before I was even hired.
How has your Softcat experience been so far and is there anything you’d like to share with us which has been a highlight in your career?
I’ve had an amazing experience with Softcat so far, with the highlight being my career progression. In those five years, I’ve had so many opportunities to expand my knowledge and have worked my way up in a team that I love. I've built amazing relationships with so many people across the business, and been supported by my team, managers, and the apprenticeship scheme leaders at every step along the way.
If you have moved in your role whether that is within the team or inter departmental, could you please share your experience about the support that you have been given?
In just five years I’ve been promoted several times within the same team. I’ve been Customer Service Apprentice, Customer Service Executive, Senior Customer Service Executive, Customer Service Deputy Team Leader, and now Customer Service Team Leader. I've had some amazing support and encouragement from everyone around me; all of whom have helped me with my development and hitting my personal goals. Personal development has always been a huge focus for me, and I have been supported by mentors as well as using the resources available on our e-learning platform, Fuse. Having all this support and opportunities for self-learning has been instrumental in my motivation to progress.
What advice would you give someone thinking about joining Softcat?
Do it! You will not regret it. You just have to decide what progression looks like to you. This could be working your way up in a team or learning new skills to be applied to multiple roles and teams. Softcat has so many resources to support you and help you be successful. This is the perfect place for personal and professional development.
Are you a part of any community currently?
Yes. I’m also part of Softcat’s Ethnic & Cultural Diversity network which has allowed me to be involved with so many initiatives and activities that support the community. One of my favourite events was being part of a panel that supported a group of young BAME girls with how to market themselves, gain interview experience and transition from education to work.
What do you enjoy the most about being part of this community?
One of the biggest things that my time at Softcat has taught me is that you’re not limited to your job role and there are always things to get involved with and put yourself forward for. Being part of the network is one example where I’ve made an impact outside of my role; something that I’ve really enjoyed.
What are you most proud of in your time at Softcat so far?
I look back to who I was when I first walked through those doors, and I am proud of the person I am today and how far I've come including the relationships I've built and the things I have learnt.
