Tell us a little bit about yourself
I'm 26 with a gorgeous 18 month old child. I love reading and will spend every spare moment I have with my head in a book. I have moderate hearing loss and now wear a great pair of pink hearing aids. I also have ADHD which I now consider one of my biggest strengths.
Why did you apply to join Softcat?
I knew a lot of people who worked here who were always saying how much they enjoyed it, and how welcoming the culture was. Which, as I was coming off maternity leave was exactly the environment I was looking for.
What was the application and joining process at Softcat like?
As my interview was virtual, I struggled a little bit to hear questions, but the team were very patient and repeated questions multiple times for me. The joining process was also great, and the team were very welcoming and instantly made me feel comfortable and at home.
Tell us the best thing about your job?
Easily my team. They are all so understanding and encouraging. I also thoroughly enjoy my job, helping to progress people in their careers and providing support while they take that journey.
How does Softcat support you with your disability?
Softcat have been great with my disabilities. For example, the standard headsets they use have a flat surface which cover the microphones on my hearing aids. So, they went out and found headphones that would exactly fit over my hearing aids and allow me to use headsets whilst still being comfortable. Also, I can very often get overstimulated, and my team are great on understanding that sometimes I need to go on a hearing break and take my hearing aids out for a bit.
Tell us what the Empowering Disability and Neurodiversity (EDI) network means to you?
Truthfully, it has been incredible and not something I'd ever experienced at a workplace before. It’s an employee-run community that is always there to provide support. Whether that’s when someone might just be feeling overwhelmed and wanting to talk, or seeking advice and guidance, the network will always listen and try to help.
Has Softcat met your expectations since joining and if so in what way(s)?
Softcat has surpassed all expectations. With previous organisations, I never felt comfortable sharing anything about my disabilities, but Softcat was so different. Even in my very first interview, I instantly felt at ease sharing more personal details about myself.
What single thing are you most proud of in your time at Softcat so far?
Being on the panel for the International Day of Disabilities is easily my proudest moment. I find public speaking in general, and also speaking about such personal aspects of my life, very difficult. So, putting myself in that position made me very proud of myself. I also had a lot of people in Softcat send me messages after the panel sharing their own stories or appreciating mine.