By Adani Lovin, Assistant Branch Manager at Enterprise Rent A Car (BSc Management with Marketing 2021)
Get in touch with Adani on LinkedIn
Introduction
Diving into the dynamic world of car rentals, I've spent 1 year and 6 months at Enterprise Rent A Car, leveraging my Business Management with Marketing degree. The graduate scheme offers a thrilling blend of business theory and hands-on experience, fueling my ambition to run my own car rental business.
A typical day
At Enterprise Rent A Car, my role as part of the Management team involves orchestrating the day-to-day operations. Beginning at 7:45 AM, we prep for the unpredictable day ahead, conducting morning meetings to brief the team on sales, service, and daily dynamics. Managing fleet logistics, overseeing deliveries, and ensuring staff efficiency are crucial aspects. Delegation and verification ensure everyone plays their part. Being a manager here means wearing many hats—from driving sales and customer service to process enhancement, staff training, and fostering a high-performance culture. We work hard, celebrate achievements, and maintain an ever-evolving, vibrant branch culture. With regular meetings with department heads and a penchant for team outings, no day at Enterprise is ever the same—it's a dynamic, rewarding journey.
My graduate job search
I began contemplating and applying for jobs in my final year. Recognizing job hunting as a significant task, I fully immersed myself in the process. The Royal Holloway Careers Service played a pivotal role in guiding me through this often challenging journey. My advice is to start early, utilize tracking tools to stay organized, and embrace networking—whether in person or through platforms like LinkedIn—to enhance your job search experience.
Improving my employability whilst at university
Throughout my undergraduate studies, I maximized my time management skills by taking on a part-time role at a Health Centre. As a Swim Instructor and Team Manager, I led a team of 8 swim instructors, drawing on my swimming expertise. This experience provided a rich learning ground for customer service, time management, leadership, sales, and conflict resolution. Crucially, it allowed me to lead by example and foster the right team culture. A pivotal moment in my journey was deciding to pursue a year in business, attending careers fairs, and networking with various companies. It was at one such event where I connected with Enterprise Rent A Car, marking the beginning of an exciting chapter in my career.
Advice for current students applying for graduate schemes
For aspiring students seeking a spot on a graduate scheme, my advice is to start early and stay proactive. Utilize university resources, attend careers fairs, and engage with companies through networking events. Develop a clear understanding of the skills and qualities sought in graduates. Personally, I wish I had known the importance of networking and building connections early on. Take advantage of internship opportunities, tailor your applications, and showcase your unique strengths. Lastly, don't be afraid to explore different industries—sometimes unexpected opportunities lead to the most rewarding experiences.
Resources I found helpful when job-hunting
- LinkedIn: A powerful professional networking platform where you can connect with professionals, join industry groups, and explore job opportunities.
- Indeed: A comprehensive job search engine that aggregates job listings from various sources. You can upload your CV and set up job alerts.
- Glassdoor: Offers company reviews, salary information, and interview insights. It provides a transparent look into companies and their hiring processes.
- CareerBuilder: A job board that allows you to search for jobs, post your CV, and explore career advice resources.
- Monster: A global job search platform where you can search for jobs, post your CV, and access career advice.
- Idealist: If you are interested in non-profit and social impact work, Idealist is a great platform to find jobs, internships, and volunteer opportunities.
- AngelList: If you're interested in startup jobs, AngelList connects job seekers with startups and allows you to explore opportunities in the tech and entrepreneurial space.
- Royal Holloway’s Careers Service: Our university has job listings, CV tips, and careers advice tailored to students and alumni. Check out the Careers Portal and Moodle Careers pages.
- Professional Association Websites: Depending on your field of study, exploring professional associations' websites can lead you to industry-specific job boards and resources.
Remember to tailor your CV and cover letter for each application, utilize your university's careers service, and actively engage in networking both online and offline. Good luck with your job search and if you ever need any help, feel free to reach out to me using LinkedIn!