Capita Symonds - Meet our people

Meet our people

Gemma, 27

Qualifications: BSc(Hons) Marketing Management

Start date: August 2002

Background:

After graduating with a degree in Marketing Management in 2000 I didn't know what I wanted to do career-wise, so I took myself off travelling around Australia and New Zealand. When I came home I started temping, and worked three jobs so I could afford to buy a house. Then I started looking for a 'proper job' and along came Capita Symonds!

Why Capita Symonds?

The honest answer is that it was more by good luck than good management. Capita was one of the largest employers in the area, but I was a fresh marketing graduate and I was looking for a challenging job. I wasn't looking at specific sectors so didn't have a list of companies that I wanted to work for; I'd registered with a local recruitment agency who told me there was an opportunity at Capita Symonds, and said it was a great company to work for. I liked the sound of the job, went for the interview and the rest, as they say, is history!

What project(s) are you working on at the moment?

I am working on a number of 'big ticket' local government bids at the moment, including Glasgow, South Tyneside and Sefton. I am also working closely with Executive Director Dave Spencer looking at growth in our division.

What opportunities have you had to train and develop your skills at Capita Symonds?

I started at Capita Symonds in 2002, and it was my first proper job as a graduate. I was recruited to help with business development - mostly completing PQQs and tenders.

Five years on, I am still working in business development, but across the whole of my division, managing a virtual team across its offices and working closely with Executive Directors to help the division achieve its ambitious growth targets.

I have had very little formal training, but plenty of on-the-job training and mentoring. The best thing that has happened to me is having line managers who have believed in me, supported me, and shaped a job around me and my skills, rather than trying to put me in a box and make me do something I couldn't do or didn't want to do.

The opportunities within Capita Symonds have been endless for me, which is why I'm still here.