It’s just over 1 month until applications close for the targetjobs Management Undergraduate of the Year competition. Enterprise Mobility sponsor this category, and we’re on the hunt for the best management undergraduates in the UK!
We caught up with Dan L., who was first introduced to Enterprise Mobility through the Management Undergraduate of the Year and has since progressed to Assistant Financial Controller within the organisation. Dan shares insights on his career journey and how the competition propelled him to success.
Tell us a little bit about your journey. How did you go from being part of the Management Undergraduate of the Year to Assistant Financial Controller?
I applied for the targetjobs Management Undergraduate of the Year Award in 2014 during the 2nd year of my BSc Management degree from the University of Southampton. After participating in the competition, I was offered a summer internship at a local Enterprise branch. I carried on working part time during my 3rd year with the intention of joining the Graduate Management Training Programme but upon my graduation an Accounting Coordinator opportunity came up at the regional administrative office in Leeds. I was successful in applying which resulted in my first relocation with Enterprise Mobility in 2015. A year later I relocated a second time after successfully applying for an Accounting Analyst role at the European headquarters in Egham, Surrey. After 2 years at the EU HQ, I moved back into our regional operations after a promotion to Accounting Supervisor for our Southeast region followed by a step up to Accounting Manager a year later. After 4 years in that role, I made the move back to Corporate as Business Administration Manager for the UK and Ireland before being promoted to my current role as Assistant Financial Controller for our Northwest region.
What initially drew you to the internship position with Enterprise Mobility?
If I’m honest, I initially applied for the Management Undergraduate of the Year because it made sense based on my degree and the fact it could have resulted in an internship was a bonus! I didn’t know much about Enterprise Mobility when I applied but I quickly learnt how diverse the business was and how we are much more than just a car rental company. They also look at your competencies rather than your degree subject, so I would encourage anyone that's interested in Management to apply, don't worry if your degree isn't related.
What were some of the key milestones in your career progression that helped you get where you are today?
Timing has been crucial for me in my career. Had I not taken the plunge and moved to Leeds so early on I wouldn’t have had the chance to have worked with some of the leaders and teams that have shaped my career and set me on the path of wanting to become a Financial Controller. I was supported to apply for my first promotion after just 12 months in the department, and the belief of my leadership team really helped boost my confidence. That role at our corporate head office then gave me unique exposure to working directly with our European senior leadership team who helped build the organisation in the UK and prepared me to become the more well-rounded operator that I am today.
Were there any specific training programmes, mentorships, or experiences that really helped you hone the leadership skills necessary for your role today?
Enterprise Mobility have so many training programmes and Employee Resource Groups available to their team members and I’ve taken advantage of many of them. Mentorships have played a crucial role in my career and I’m lucky to call many of my former managers and Financial Controllers mentors still to this day.
How has the organisation supported your ongoing development, both professionally and personally since you joined?
Enterprise Mobility provides study support to Business Management employees wanting to gain an accounting professional qualification. The organisation therefore played a key part in me passing all my CIMA exams to become a fully qualified accountant. Enterprise Mobility also offers world class support when it comes to relocating for promotional opportunities which has allowed me to move up and down the country 3 times, so far!
How has Enterprise Mobility's culture and values played a role in your career growth?
Enterprise Mobility’s founding values have really helped shape me into the professional that I am today. Honesty, integrity, listening, keeping promises, hard work and teamwork are core to what we do and the organisation's culture has taught me just how important they are.
What has the organisation done to make sure you felt supported throughout your journey from Intern to Assistant Financial Controller?
Enterprise Mobility promotes from within and have very clear, structured training plans so you know exactly what you need to achieve to get to the next step on your career path. This allows you to progress at your own pace but also means that your managers have been on the same career path as you so can relate and know what you are going through.
What role do you think diversity and inclusion play in creating opportunities for employees to succeed at all levels?
Diversity, equity and inclusion is essential when it comes to creating opportunities for employees to be their authentic selves at work. DE&I is a priority across all levels within the organisation and this is a big reason why so many employees stay at Enterprise for 10/15/20+ years.
If you could go back and give your younger self one piece of advice when you first started, what would it be?
Be confident. Don’t change who you are, just believe in yourself. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. There’s no such thing as a silly question. Enjoy yourself!
What are you most proud of in your career, both in terms of professional achievements and personal growth?
Helping to develop other employees within the business and seeing them go on to get promoted themselves whilst also driving the business forward to achieve record breaking results.
How did being part of the Undergraduate of the Year influence your personal or professional journey?
Being part of the Management Undergraduate of the Year competition introduced me to an incredible organisation with the best people. I wouldn’t be where I am today if I didn’t fill in that application form, so go for it!
Are you the next Management Undergraduate of the Year? With nothing to lose, and everything to gain, apply now! Applications close 27th January 2025.
