We caught up with Loughborough University graduate and current Enterprise Branch Manager Holly Shaw. We were keen to learn about her career journey and for her to share the success she has had along the way.
Can you tell us a bit about you and your career journey?
I first started my career at Enterprise as an intern during my time at Loughborough University. I worked for 12 months after my second year and then went back to university for my final year. I really enjoyed my time on placement, and I was determined to return after completing my degree. I worked part time in branch during my third year and I was a Campus Brand Manager whilst at University. After graduation I was promoted to Assistant Manager within 4 months returning full time, and then I was promoted to branch manager just over a year later. I was always determined to climb the ladder, being a branch manager was my goal from day one.
What support and guidance have you received during your time at Enterprise?
Enterprise promotes from within, based solely on merit. The majority of our employees start on the Graduate Management Training Programme, including our current CEO, Chrissy Taylor. This is something that not a lot of companies do and this is something I have always loved about the company. I think it works really well and drives a culture of development and support as they evolve your talent from the day you start, all the way throughout your career. Employee development is one of the four core areas that we focus on daily; it is something that is centered on consciously and sub-consciously throughout your career journey.
With Enterprise being such a large and complex business, there is so much to learn! Even 5 years on I learn something new every day and there is always someone who is helping you develop your skillset. One of the main reasons Enterprise is so engaging is down to their efforts to keep developing their employees. Not only this but they pride themselves on being able to accommodate any needs, such as offering alternative work arrangements which allow employees to work flexibly or work reduced hours in order to manage their personal commitments. I feel comfortable that if my current situation changed in any way, Enterprise would be happy to help me in finding a solution that would work for us both.
What made you decide to pursue a career in a predominantly male industry?
I have always been a very determined person. If I set my mind to something I do everything in my power to achieve it. In terms of my career, regardless of whether a company was in a male dominated industry it wouldn’t have ever put me off applying for it if that’s somewhere that I could see myself working. Before I started, I was unaware that Enterprise was in a male dominated industry. At a careers fair, it was a female campus brand manager who first sold the company to me, I was then fortunate in having a female branch and assistant manager when I first started, and I have had female role models as part of my higher management team for the majority of my career. Having successful female mentors share their career stories, triumphs and challenges has inspired me to progress to where I am now. Enterprise are a performance based business and the best candidate for the job will get it regardless of age, race, gender or any other factors – If you put your mind to it, nothing is stopping you form achieving your dreams.
As a female, what support do you receive at work?
I have always received high levels of support from Enterprise, regardless of gender, it is such a supportive company and they do make sure that you feel supported. We have a formal mentor scheme and it is a great way to build up a support network of employees, across all levels or seniority, that focus on your career plan and are always there for a chat whenever you need it. I have been lucky to have really supportive mentors who genuinely care about my career progression and general well-being. Our Women-In-Leadership Committee focuses on female management and personal development as well as creating a fun and friendly place for the newer female employees to grow into the leaders they want to become with continued support. I am now an active member of this committee and I feel grateful that I can put in what I got out of it when I was a Management Trainee. Each region of our business also focuses on creating a fun and social space for females outside of work hours, this is another way that women help support other women from difference branches, it’s also a great way to meet new people and build new friendships.
What does diversity and inclusion mean to you?
To me, working for a company that values the importance of diversity and inclusion is a non-negotiable. I have always really appreciated the efforts that Enterprise goes to to employ a diverse workforce. Over the last 5 years I have seen Enterprise place a huge focus on diversity and inclusion and I believe this has made a positive impact on productivity, staff happiness and well-being and the level of the talent pool. Working with individuals from different background, different beliefs and cultures really enhances the business on various different levels, including representing our customers. This year I have joined the Diversity, Ethics and Inclusion Committee and I intend to help continue to make a positive difference in this part of the business.
Want to be part of a company that has made a true commitment to training and developing? Search for our latest graduate jobs and internship opportunities in your area and see where we can take you on your career journey.
