Shauna works in Dublin and is a native of Dundalk, Ireland. After receiving her degree in business management from Maynooth University in Ireland, she began working for Enterprise as a management trainee and within 5 years, she progressed to Area Manager.
She made the decision to study business management as she was unsure of what she wanted to do as a career.
“It was one of those courses where, if you didn’t know what you wanted to do, it was a good option. I did always know that I wanted to have a career in some aspect of business.”
Shauna began applying for graduate jobs after graduation, but she was unaware of how early students had to apply for a graduate job at the time. She received letters back from her applications saying ‘Congratulations and you have qualified’ only to learn that these positions had start dates for the following year.
Shauna came across Enterprises’ opening for a graduate management trainee and was happy to see that they hire all year round. Applying on a whim, she never anticipated that she would enjoy the position so much and want to stay to advance her career.
“I began working as a management trainee in the Drogheda location, Ireland. I then transferred to an airport location as part of the company’s Best of the Best Programme. It was great to see my hard work being rewarded so soon after joining.
I completed the graduate programme at Dublin airport and was promoted to the position of assistant manager there. From there I was promoted back to Drogheda as a branch manager, I then managed Shannon Airport, Dublin Airport and then Russell City Centre where I became an area manager for Ireland.”
Moving around and away from home can be a bit scary. Attending university had been Shauna’s first significant move and it was then that she realised the concern was more a fear of the unknown. So, when it came to making the decision to relocate for different roles at Enterprise, Shauna knew she could make the move a success. It was, however, important for her to rely on her support system in and outside of work.
Within the workplace, she received support and encouragement from her area manager. It was clear that gaining experience in new branches and locations would benefit her development and it would help her take advantage of promotion opportunities.
“I have always had that support from the leadership team at Enterprise; they check in and see what you need. It’s reassuring to know you have a company that looks out for you!”
Official and unofficial mentors have been an important part of Shauna’s development. She had people that could advise her because they’d been on a similar career path to her. She knew her mentors would give honest advice on what would be best for her career. Shauna reflects on one of her women mentors:
“She has been a real leading force for me in terms of women in leadership. She’s been head of Vehicle Acquisition as long as I’ve been in the company. She always checked in with me to see how I was getting on and if I understood everything or if I needed help. It didn’t matter whether or not it was relevant to her role in fleet logistics, she’d sometimes call me to see how my Monday morning was going. She has been a major influence within my career.”
Looking back over her career so far, Shauna can’t believe how far she has come.
“If you had told me that after graduation I would be an area manager in such a short time, I wouldn’t believe it, but with the right training, development and encouragement, I did.
My advice would be to let yourself believe you can do it, believe in yourself because you will get there with the right support.”
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