We love to keep in touch with OMBS alumni, no matter how long ago they graduated. Our latest graduate careers feature involves us catching up with Ailsa, who graduated back in 2010 from OMBS!
Since leaving us her career has impressively progressed and she is now a director in the property sector. Read on to hear her advice about making the right first impressions, career progression and working in the sector she loves in central London….
What is your current job role title, company name and sector, and where are you working in terms of location?
I’m an Operations Director, working for Douglas & Gordon in the property sector. I am usually based in Chelsea in West London, but work flexibly one day a week from home.
What are the highlights of your career to date?
I’ve had so many over the years! I joined D&G straight from OMBS back in 2010 after doing my work experience there, so I have been here for a long time and been lucky enough to progress through different job positions.
I started as a Sales Negotiator which was really great fun. I loved getting out of the office and meeting lots of different people. I also absolutely loved my time as Head of Training, as I got to know every new employee and became actively involved in their personal development in the company.
What do you love most about your current role or industry sector?
I have always loved property for the fun and energetic people it attracts. No two days are the same and it really feels like an industry that anyone can be successful in if they work hard and like meeting new people.
I’ve also seen a lot of incredibly nice houses over the years, which is very lucky! And we’ve had our fair share of listings for famous people, which unfortunately I can’t divulge the details of, but I can say we did once have a listing on for a big producer who worked on all the Guy Ritchie films and Harry Potter. We saw all the clapperboards from the Harry Potter films in his house!
Which Professional Business Diploma skills have you found most beneficial to you in your position?
From a practical point of view, all of the IT skills, particularly Word, PowerPoint and Excel, have been incredibly helpful. However, more importantly, I would say that OMBS instills one with a real drive to work hard, get involved and make yourself indispensable to your company. Throughout my years hiring young people into roles, I can say that’s definitely not a given and really sets someone apart!
How did studying with OMBS help you feel confident about your early career and getting your first role?
Owing to my time at OMBS, I honestly never worried about getting a job and excelling in it. We were set up for the workplace so well and were coached to look for a career, not just a job, so I felt that I could be picky and choose a role that I was really excited by.
When I joined D&G, so many people had heard of OMBS and knew it was brilliant, that alone gave me a renewed confidence in my skills.
What advice would you give an OMBS student?
Have patience. Everything good takes time to grow. I see a lot of young people nowadays expecting salary increases and promotions when they’re still fairly new, which is unrealistic and ultimately, they’ll be disappointed.
We live in a world nowadays where everything is very ‘instant’ but that’s not how real life works. Put time and effort into your job and your relationships and you’ll build a fantastic foundation for a long career.
Try to get involved in everything and anything you can! The best opportunities will come from the people you meet. Approach work and life with energy, a positive outlook and a determination to enjoy what you’re doing.
People will naturally gravitate towards you and will want you on their team. This is a hugely important skill in many roles and industries and will help you to progress and, more importantly, you’ll have fun along the way!
If you’d like to find out more about studying for the Professional Business Diploma, please contact our Director of Admissions.