Business Manager
The opportunities at Heathrow are very broad and it is very easy to build a varied career. Working at Heathrow is ideal for my lifestyle as we’re not far from London. I do a lot of travelling so working at an airport means I can make the most of my weekends.
My programme has helped me to develop strong all-round skills, such as business modelling, influencing skills and the opportunity of studying for an ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) qualification. The scheme has helped me to build confidence and knowledge which I now use to negotiate with our airline partners.
Working in Expansion gave me my greatest opportunity and was a real stretch. I took on the role of management accountant and embarked upon setting up the Expansion accounts structure, working closely with our regulators and airlines. Here I could build skills in budgeting, monthly reporting and organisational planning. Working in Expansion gave me experience far beyond what an analyst would normally expect in their first year of being an accountant.
I would recommend the Finance Graduate Scheme as you develop a broad range of skills and experiences in a friendly environment. You are assigned a sponsor, mentor and buddy to support you. The rotational structure of the programme is tailored to you, so you can be the owner of your career and drive your own development.
My advice when applying would be not to focus on what you have studied so far. My degree was in Medical Engineering but I found I had great transferable skills for a career in Finance. I did make sure that I had a solid understanding of the different areas of Finance when I was applying and I found that really gave my application credibility.
Since joining Heathrow, I have organised a mud run where 85 colleagues took part in climbing over muddy obstacles and running through rivers. It was a good opportunity to raise money for the Duke of Edinburgh and to meet new people across all areas of the business. I also love the British Military Fitness sessions which Heathrow offers for free every week. It is a fitness boot camp run by qualified instructors and is a great way to let loose!
