The decision to apply to Enterprise was a fairly easy one for me. I had just finished studying a degree in Geography at Leeds University and was looking at graduate roles which would suit my skill set after deciding I no longer wanted to pursue a career in soil science. I wasn’t really sure what career I wanted but I knew I wanted something that was fast paced and would be a career and not just a job.
I started my Enterprise career at the Macclesfield branch in September 2005 and the time has absolutely flown by. I really enjoyed the Graduate Management Trainee role and embraced my training which I completed within 11 months and was promoted to Assistant Manager in just under 12 months. I worked at three different branches during my time as an Assistant Manager giving me a good mix of experiences and helped me develop a strong management style. After just over three years I was promoted to Branch Manager at Macclesfield where I developed a strong team and led the branch into the top 10 of the UK rankings. Following this I was promoted to a larger branch which was underperforming and took that to number 3 in the UK. As a result, I gained the promotion I was focused on and I’m now the Area Manager for a region that spans parts of Lancashire and Greater Manchester. Next stop, City Manager.
I have been supported by Enterprise senior management throughout my career and this has really helped me to set a clear career plan and push myself for my promotion to Area Manager. I was chosen by my General Manager to take part in a mentoring programme aimed to encourage more females to senior management level as part of the UK initiative for Women in Leadership. I was also invited to the UK Leadership Forum which provided an interesting insight into personal branding, career mapping and enabled me to network with top senior management. I also have quarterly meetings with my General Manager to re-assess my progress in line with the goals I have set.
I now also run my own mentoring programme for female employees in the North West where I pair experienced female managers with new trainees and interns to help them develop and pass on their knowledge from the Leadership forum. I also chair a female focus group for my local area which provides an informal arena to discuss progression and share ideas.
The Management Trainee programme has given me a vast skill set, lots of responsibility, the autonomy to run my own business and a long term career with lots of promotion opportunity. When speaking to family and friends they are often surprised with the business knowledge and responsibility my job offers – I never imagined a car rental company would offer me so many opportunities. Not only that – I have also met some great people along the way and most importantly had fun and been rewarded for my hard work!