How long have you been with us?
My journey before Austin Fraser is best described like this:
“When one door closes another opens -> If you want to see the opening door, you will!”
After finishing my apprenticeship in hospitality in 2008 I went to many job fairs for an overview of opportunities in that particular industry. After subscribing to various potential employers, I received a call out of the blue from “Robinson Club” and only a few days later I started working in Greece (Kos).
Delivering the dream service and holiday to guests was an amazing experience but at the same time, very demanding and tough work.
A driver of mine has always been “not standing still and wanting to learn more” so I started studies (Bachelor of Arts) in Business & Tourism Management with a focus on quality & personnel management. This resulted in a degree with a huge final project on how to find the best talent for the industry.
The rest is history!!
I knew I wanted to put my energy into supporting businesses in finding the right talent for their projects and teams so I applied at Austin Fraser in Munich in 2013.
A friend of mine knew the company having recently spoken with our CRO, Jacob and she mentioned it would be the perfect match! Following a very quick process I started only 2 weeks later, during one of the famous AF Welcome Weeks in their UK Headquarters. That was October 2013, and this year marks my 7th work anniversary at Austin Fraser.
So how’s it been so far?
The Welcome Weeks in the UK were an amazing experience, helping me understand the spirit and culture of a fast-evolving company and I really enjoyed learning first hand from some of their top Consultants.
After my on-boarding weeks in the UK, I moved to Munich and started with 4 other new colleagues in our venture in Ludwigstrasse.
My Austin Fraser journey so far has almost offered me a promotion a year, in total I’ve gone through 6 roles, from Trainee Recruitment Consultant up to Senior Regional Director.
Talk to us about your achievements and favourite moments at AF...
It took mere weeks before I understood the saying “recruitment rollercoaster” first hand. It was tough to build a desk from scratch, but at the same time hugely rewarding.
I won’t forget my first achievement, winning my first big opportunity after 6 months in the business. During my career at Austin Fraser my absolute highlight was winning Top Biller Germany in 2015.
Working my way up and supporting/helping/guiding new colleagues, I knew where I wanted to go with my career. After mentoring the German contracting team for 2 years, I started in a Team Leader role in 2016. I always found huge fulfillment along my journey supporting others to build incredible futures for themselves. Creating something together with a team, helping others to reach levels beyond what I achieved and celebrating successes together was my key driver. I’ll never forget how that year ended as it was once again hugely rewarding to win the “Earn it, Own it, Love It” award at our annual ASM, voted for by our people!
Another milestone happened in the same year following our team success, I was promoted to 1st Contracts Manager Germany.
I’ve had the pleasure of celebrating many team wins, travelling to Dubai, New York, Ibiza and also experienced fine-dine cuisine in Munich with a series of Lunch Clubs and other team events.
In 2017 we opened our doors in Berlin and I got the opportunity to take over our new city with a team of 5. This was the opportunity of a lifetime! Starting a new office from scratch, building a team, creating a culture, and putting into action all the lessons learned from the previous 4 years...YEAS!
12 months in and Berlin now the most successful AF office launch has given me unlimited drive and the belief that I was on the right path!
Talk to us about life at AF?
Having worked for 2 other employers previously, for me the huge opportunities I have been given, has been very special. My motto in life was always:
“You can get anywhere if you like to! It's you, yourself who forms your future. Do it!”
I love the flat hierarchy, and from day one there has been a “People First” approach. Personally, I identify with the philosophy and values Pete and Del (Founders) put in place and it’s been amazing to see how we have developed as a company over the years, still staying true to who we are and what we stand for.
You are heard, You have a voice, You count!
Next to the people and opportunities, transparency was really important to me as I have missed that in my former jobs. To get everyone on board with what you want to achieve - and yes, the biggest milestones you achieve together as a team - transparency in my opinion is key to that.
Sales can be tough and there are a lot of sales companies out there where internal competition can lead to a culture where team player spirit is often missing. I’ve experienced the opposite on my journey with AF, it’s why I love working in the environment we have built. It genuinely feels like we’re a big family, looking out for each other and lifting each other up in difficult times and when needed.
How has life at AF impacted you outside of work?
I feel like everything I learned on my journey the last 7 years has hugely impacted my private life. Communication styles, type of personalities, challenges and opportunities I was facing, everything has broadened my horizon and helped me to become a better version of myself.
Moving to Berlin in 2017 has not just been an amazing opportunity professionally. It allowed me to finally move in with my boyfriend in Berlin. I knew I didn't want to stay in Munich forever but I also knew, the right time and opportunity would come to move on. Only a few months later we got married and our professional and private life matched up perfectly!
As you know my hospitality background now, you know I never had a lot of cash to live from. Working 6-day-weeks and having minimal holidays I wasn´t presented a range of opportunities in my private life. This has now changed!
In the past 7 years I have been travelling to many places I always wanted to visit. I have experienced new cultures and a new type of freedom. All whilst staying true to who I am and what I stand for. My godmother once said to me;
“if you do something you really love, you will have everything you need...”
What advice would you give to someone thinking about a career at AF?
You know my story now, you know that you can shape your own future here at AF. It depends on you! What do you want?
Sales/Recruitment can be tough and at the same time hugely rewarding. You need to know your why and it will carry you through all the ups and downs on that roller coaster.
If you don't know your why - go find out first!