As a rapidly growing recruitment business, continuing to improve equality, diversity and inclusion is vital to us at Advance TRS. We always strive to create a working environment that is free from discrimination and promotes equal opportunities for all, and we work with our clients to help them do the same.
In a series of interviews we have spoken to some of the talented women working at Advance TRS and asked them what challenges they might have faced in their careers so far and what advice they would give other women wanting to start working in their sectors.
We are starting this short blog series with our Accounts Manager Michelle, and Katie, who is our Compliance & Administration Manager.
What made you want to start a career in your sector?
Michelle: I always wanted to start a career in accounting as it has been my lifelong goal. It wasn’t until my school friend passed away that gave me the push to start up a course in accounting at college and then apply to be a junior accounts assistant at Advance TRS. I haven’t looked back since.
Katie: To be honest I fell into my career at Advance TRS. I was going away travelling around Asia when a now-colleague found my CV online and persuaded me to come for a coffee before I left. When I returned from my adventure I started my new job!
Is there anyone that inspires you in your career?
Michelle: I don’t have anyone in particular who has inspired me but I always look up to people who do their best every day.
Katie: I find seeing the success of my colleagues inspires me daily, especially the strong successful women at Advance TRS.
If you could have dinner with three inspirational women, dead or alive, who would they be and why?
Michelle: Tina Turner – after years of domestic abuse, physical and mental, she rose above to become one of the most powerful female black artists in the world.
Caitlyn Jenner – the strength she has to publicly become the woman she wants to be.
Katie Piper – the confidence to tell her story and reclaim her life after such a horrific ordeal. She’s done a lot of campaigning and documentaries getting people talking about mental health, domestic abuse etc.
Katie: Michelle Obama (who wouldn’t want dinner with Michelle!), Rhianna because I think her success is inspiring, and my mum.
Based on your own experience, what advice would you give to women considering a career in your sector?
Michelle: I don’t believe there is any specific advice depending on gender. If you work to your best potential everyday that’s all that matters.
How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that mean to you?
Katie: Support, empowerment and positivity amongst women is so important, there is no end to what can be achieved when you look out for one another and lift each other up.
What is the most important piece of advice you have been given?
Michelle: If you believe you can do something, you can. It does not matter who you are or where you are from, you just need to believe.
How do you find being a woman working in your sector?
Katie: It is a very male dominated environment, but I think that only makes you stand up more, be confident and strive to succeed.
Why do you think diversity in the workplace is so important?
Michelle: I think that having diversity in the workplace is very important. Having a diverse team means we have a variety of ideas and perspectives. Everyone is being valued and accepted regardless of age, gender, religious beliefs, etc.
At Advance TRS we are always looking for talented and driven new team members. If this is you and you would like to work for a business that values its employees’ contribution to its success then we would love to hear from you!
To find out more about our current opportunities, visit our careers page, or for a discrete conversation, contact Paul Metcalfe, Advance TRS CEO on 07793 554 413 or email pme@advance-trs.com.
