Simon’s GuyKat Graduate Scheme Journey
Changing careers isn’t always easy, but the right opportunity can make all the difference…
Simon joined the GuyKat Graduate Scheme to combine his passion for learning and technology while exploring a new industry. Eighteen months later, he’s built new skills, discovered his strengths, found a clear career path and, dare we say it, had a lot of fun along the way.
What attracted you to the GuyKat Graduate Scheme in the first place?
I was initially drawn to the scheme due to the overlap between two core elements of my previous career. Learning and technology! As a career changer, the rotation format of the Graduate Scheme allowed me the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the L&D industry from a range of different perspectives. It felt like the perfect fit for me!
How would you describe the Graduate Scheme to someone who knows nothing about it?
The GuyKat Graduate Scheme is an 18-month programme designed to be completely tailored to each successful applicant. With the rotation-based structure you’ll get the opportunity to:
- Find the type of work that you enjoy the most
- Work with a range of teams across the entire business
- Gain a better “big picture” understanding of how GuyKat works as a whole
What’s the biggest skill you’ve developed during the programme?
Without a doubt, this has to be my general project management and organisational skills. With multiple projects on the go simultaneously, it can become very easy to get lost in the weeds. That being said, you’re surrounded at GuyKat by absolute experts who can help you keep all those loose threads neatly tied together.
How did working with different teams help your development?
You really gain an understanding of how the different components of the business individually work. No project or job is truly stand-alone. Having insights into how other areas function helps you get a complete picture of how the wider project works, and how your contributions can best fit into that picture.
Was there a rotation or project that stood out?
For me, this has to be the PMO rotation I undertook. This was the point at which I really started to take ownership of a range of different projects, and where I had the freedom and opportunity to stand out and carve out my own place within GuyKat.
How would you describe the culture at GuyKat?
Without a doubt, it’s people first. I’ve never once felt like I’ve been left alone to solve or overcome a problem without the option of support if I felt I needed it. So many people make an effort to take time out of their day for the sole purpose of upskilling and supporting you! Frequent one-to-ones with both your immediate team leads and also your leadership contacts give you so many opportunities to have your voice heard.
Can you share a moment when someone at GuyKat really supported your development?
Picking out only one is genuinely quite difficult, especially when the example I’m choosing also happens to apply to multiple other people across the whole 18-month period. GuyKatters really make an effort to include you in whatever topic you have an interest in getting more exposure to. For me, this was most noticeable when I started to pursue an interest in the more technical aspects of Docebo, such as Connect. Almost instantly, I was invited along to shadow a range of client calls. Giving me that immediate exposure to the areas that most interested me.
What do you think makes someone successful on the Graduate Scheme?
Diving in feet first and just seizing every opportunity that comes your way. Everyone here wants you to succeed; the outcome really is what you decide to make of it. Every bit of effort you put into the scheme really does get returned to you twice over.
What’s your favourite memory from your time on the Graduate Scheme?
Each year the company has a number of Away Days in which both our Europe and NA companies get together. These have always been such great opportunities to think big picture about the coming year. Plus, you talk and collaborate with people who I don’t otherwise speak to as much day to day. It’s such a great balance of work and social, and I’m already looking forward to the next one.
What are you excited about next now that you’re graduating?
I feel like I’ve developed such an amazing foundation over the course of the scheme from which I can now only build. I’m coming out of the programme with a very clear trajectory and everything I could possibly need to succeed along it.
Want to join our team?
Simon’s story perfectly captures what the GuyKat Graduate Scheme is designed to do!
Whether you’re joining straight from university or changing careers, the scheme gives you the opportunity to explore different areas of the business, discover where your strengths lie, and build a career with the support of people who genuinely want to see you succeed.
👉 Learn more about the Graduate Scheme
👉 Read Lucy & Ollie’s Journey