David joined GuyKat as an Instructional Designer in 2015. He now works as a Senior Consultant. Today he shares what his role at GuyKat involves, and how he is finding it.

What is your role at GuyKat and how long have you been working here?

 I work as a Senior Consultant, and I’ve been at GuyKat for 7 years.

What does your job as a Senior Consultant entail?  

I’m very happy to have a lot of variety in my day-to-day activities. Every day is different. Primarily my activities involve:

• Meeting with clients to discuss their requirements
• Hands-on configuration on Learning Management System (LMS) Docebo
• Calls with new clients about upcoming business opportunities
• Internal communication regarding ongoing projects
• Keeping up with the day-to-day needs of my peers

How did you begin your journey as a Senior Consultant?

I actually joined GuyKat as an Instructional Designer, however, I quickly pivoted to the services revolving around Docebo and began working in a hybrid role of sales, account management, and technical support. Soon I became a Consultant and over time have become a Senior Consultant and now work within our leadership team.

What were you doing before joining GuyKat?

 Before GuyKat I worked for a couple of creative agencies producing video content and educational materials.

What made you initially decide to apply to GuyKat?

Trying to find a new role that would allow me to grow and perform at my best was important to me. Throughout my career, I have gained a lot of media production and business development skills, but I wanted to move to the next level and work in the corporate world. I guess I was looking for a new challenge!

How did you find the interview process?

The interview process was very relaxed. I was asked several questions about my experience but also about my learning style and technical skills. I was keen to show my interest in making the switch to a new industry sector and even demonstrated some work I had carried out in preparation for the interview.

What do you like the most about your job?

Mainly that through my actions and support from our CEO, Guy, I have built my own role and contributed to the growth of the company, essentially generating revenue, creating jobs for new team members, and serving our wide set of clients with the best service we can.

What’s the most exciting project you’re working on right now?

I’ve worked on many exciting projects but one, in particular, comes to mind, I’ve actually just presented internally at one of our company ‘Away Days’ the success that we have had over the last two years working with one of the leading educational toy manufacturers. We worked closely with this client to help them succeed with their implementation of a full online educational offering to support their product lines. It feels good to know that a project I have worked on is enhancing teacher and student education around the world.

Did you have any concerns about joining GuyKat?

At the time the company was relatively small so I asked questions about the business direction and the more I heard the more I found myself wanting to get involved and drive the business forward. I felt reassured by the CEO and his desire to grow the business and work with some of the biggest companies in the world.

How were these concerns diminished? 

GuyKat was already serving some huge clients and with the partnership with Docebo, and there was clearly an opportunity to get involved in a growth period.

How have you grown since being at GuyKat?

Personally, I have matured immensely. This has been through a combination of support from my peers, business development opportunities, and having the freedom to forge a career that best suits my personality and ability. I have worked with the team to develop our services and client portfolio and have enjoyed seeing a larger team develop around me.

What makes GuyKat unique?

We always try to stay on our toes and have a ‘day one’ approach to every day. I think this approach keeps GuyKat fresh. It allows us to continue to develop ourselves and our services which delights our clients.

What has your experience been with GuyKat company culture?

Everyone is so kind and supportive at GuyKat. It’s easy to get along with a team that loves to continue to learn, adapt and shape the company. We have a number of values at GuyKat. The one I like the most is ‘accountability.’ Upholding this value on an individual basis ensures that our team is committed and delivers. Plus, we feel responsible and trusted.

What kind of support do you receive from the team?

I have regular one-to-ones with our CEO, Guy, who provides me with plenty of guidance and challenged me to continue developing. As well as this we align yearly to review development, reflect on the past year and decide on goals for the next. I now carry out my own one-to-ones with my peers and also participate in the yearly reviews for other team members.

How did you find the onboarding process? 

I was given access to plenty of digital resources and given quite a lot of freedom to learn how things worked. I jumped in on every meeting I could to build my knowledge and ability. Everyone chipped in and shared their experience with me so I could move forward quickly.

Any advice on those interested in pursuing a career at GuyKat?

We’re in an interesting industry that is constantly evolving. The opportunities are endless. For me, it was the best career move I’ve made, and I haven’t looked back. I’ve been at the company for over six years and for me each day feels new. I’m happy with what I have achieved and feel like there is plenty more to do!  

The post David’s Senior Consultant Experience at GuyKat appeared first on GuyKat.

Jack joined GuyKat in 2017 as an apprentice and now works as an LMS Analyst. In a few weeks, Jack will be going on a 10-week secondment to our US office where he will be supporting our American team. Today he shares how he has found his career journey so far at GuyKat. 

What is your role at GuyKat and how long have you been working here?

My role at GuyKat is LMS Analyst and I’ve been working here for 5 years.

What does your job as LMS Analyst entail? 

My day-to-day mostly consists of project management, project support, and providing answers to tickets as part of our platform enablement team. This can be anything from recommending how a client can expand their platform to simply resetting passwords. I also work on platform fixes and give advice on client queries which could be answering a question on courses, or it could be working closely with the client to roll out a new series of courses, or investigating platform downtime and running maintenance.

How did you begin your journey as LMS Analyst?

I began my apprenticeship working in the content team. This involved working on eLearning projects and updating eLearning modules, using Adobe Captivate to create and edit modules for the rest of the team. I was then offered the chance to switch departments and work within the platform enablement team.

What were you doing before joining GuyKat?

Before GuyKat, I worked a couple of jobs. I ran a ticketing system and updated item trackers as an apprentice and afterward experienced a short stint with the BBC in a traineeship based around Digital Marketing.

What made you initially decide to apply to GuyKat?

I applied to GuyKat with a limited understanding of what eLearning was. However, the apprenticeship scheme with GuyKat caught my eye as they offered me a flexible role that allowed me to dip my toe into each department, letting me find what I really want to do. At the time, I wanted to do something creative and GuyKat seemed the perfect fit to allow me to test my skills and grow that knowledge.

How did you find the interview process?

The interview process was smooth. Being interviewed by two people can seem daunting but the team was very friendly and calmed my nerves. Being able to talk to the CEO, Guy, about my hobbies outside of work put my mind at ease, and afterward, I was very much hoping for a callback!

What do you like the most about your job?

The perfect mixture of big client names and the people I work with. The clients that I get to work with are global and everyone knows who they are. Being able to tell friends and family who I get to work with day in and day out is exciting! Most importantly, however, the people at GuyKat make working here incredible. The hiring process is always spot on as we are all similar kinds of people all in similar stages in life. You’ll always be able to start a conversation with anyone on anything. Everyone is happy to meet outside of work to go to the pub or to a concert.

What’s the most exciting project you’re working on right now?

At the moment we have a few really exciting projects. I’m in the middle of working with a personal care brand and Docebo directly to create a brand new reporting structure. The work involves running and pulling reporting data which will allow the brand to better understand how their users in different countries are doing. This project is exciting for me because the brand is excited about it. When working on a project like this where you know the work you’re doing will have a massive impact on how the client functions makes it very satisfying.

Did you have any concerns about joining GuyKat?

At the time, GuyKat was small, with only about 6 employees however I was aware of the prospect of quick growth. My only concern for me really was that everything was brand new as I’d never worked in eLearning before.

How were these concerns diminished? 

These worries were diminished quickly thanks to the support of the team. I had my questions answered quickly and even got given one on one time to pick up the software quicker.

How have you grown since being at GuyKat?

My people skills have especially grown since joining GuyKat. I never saw myself being on calls talking directly to clients but being able to grow into the role you want to do helped me to get over the ‘fear’ of talking to multiple people. I was able to shadow the more experienced staff on client calls and internal meetings to see how they manage their conversations with the client and track updates, tasks, and issues internally.

What makes GuyKat unique?

For me, it’s the staff. It’s very rare that you get a workplace like GuyKat’s where everyone gets on and shares similar hobbies and interests.

What has your experience been with GuyKat company culture?

Company culture is amazing, it’s always good fun going into the office and catching up with everyone. Every time the team gets together, it’s always a great time!

What kind of support do you receive from the team?

The support is great, you can always find someone to give advice or help you on a task. It’s almost like no man gets left behind. With everyone willing to chip in and help whenever they can. Working in the platform enablement team you really see this. Sometimes the department can get overwhelmed with tickets. When this does happen, the entire platform team is ready to answer a few questions, making my work days less stressful.

Any advice on those interested in pursuing a career at GuyKat?

Do it! We’re always looking for new people who are creative or technical. You’ll be welcomed into the team and learn many new skills.

The post Jack’s LMS Analyst Experience at GuyKat appeared first on GuyKat.

Amelia joined GuyKat’s Graduate Scheme in 2021 where she experienced different placements around all areas of the business. She has recently completed the scheme and is now working as a Learning Experience Designer (UI/UX). Today she reflects on her Graduate Trainee experience at GuyKat.

What is your role at GuyKat and how long have you been working here?

I joined GuyKat in 2021 and have just recently completed the Graduate Scheme. I now work as a Learning Experience Designer.

What did you do on the Graduate Scheme?

My time on the Graduate Scheme was spent rotating through all areas of the business, completing internal and external work. This ultimately provided me with a varied overview of the ins and outs of all areas of the business.

Whilst working in the content team, I helped design and produce custom eLearning content using software such as Articulate and the Adobe Suite. During my time on the platform side of the company, I supported clients in the configuration, design, coding, and troubleshooting of their LMS (Learning Management Systems). I also experienced other areas of the business such as business admin, PMO (Project Management Office), and marketing.

Every day on the Graduate Scheme was different, meaning one day I would be designing and coding a page for a client for my UX/UI rotation, and the next I would be creating a project visibility tracking system for my PMO rotation.

I’ve also had the opportunity to work on internal projects that benefit both our team and clients. For example, I worked with a selection of the team to champion user experience by finding new ways to enhance our accessibility practices within our work across the company.

Being able to work on so many high-value and varied projects has enabled me to extensively expand my technical skills in areas such as coding. Moreover, leading conversations on client calls and taking leading roles in projects has enabled my communication and confidence skills to flourish since joining GuyKat.

What made you want to apply to GuyKat’s Graduate Scheme?

I graduated from the University of Westminster in 2020 with a first-class honours degree in Digital Media and Communications. My course ignited my passion for technology and creativity and the ways in which these can be used simultaneously to make real-life impacts on society.  Due to this passion, I took up freelance design during my time at university. Alongside this, I was headhunted to work as a Marketing and Design Assistant for a property company in central London. 

With a natural inclination for creative roles, GuyKat’s Graduate Scheme ticked all of the boxes for the start of my new long-term career. I spent my evenings researching the company and working on my application to the best of my ability. Living 150 miles away from the GuyKat office, I was prepared to relocate for the role if my interview was a success. I knew this was a valuable opportunity not to be missed. I was told I got the job on the same week as my birthday and was thrilled to be joining the team!

What were you doing before joining GuyKat?

Following my graduation, I took a year break to move out of my flat in London and back in with my family in Ipswich. During this time, I worked as a dog daycare assistant to give myself a break following all of my academic work. Though it was lovely to work with dogs all day, I realised how intensely I missed working within a creative and technology-based role. I spent most evenings after work learning more about the UX/UI industry and improving my skillset with the anticipation of finding the perfect entry to my long-term career. Having the luxury of time on my hands, I was adamant to be very particular in finding the perfect role to apply for.

What made GuyKat stand out to you?

GuyKat aligned perfectly with my passions and I found it to be the ideal opportunity to make real-world impacts on a large scale. Having the opportunity to learn and grow in my role in a supportive environment whilst also bringing my own insights and knowledge seemed like a rewarding opportunity to accelerate my career in a field I love. The mention of UX/UI initially caught my eye alongside the prospects of working at an (at that time) fairly small company with no strict hierarchy that could prevent me from learning from other company departments.

How did you find the interview process?

The interview process was great! It was the perfect balance between being relaxed yet professional. The questions asked provided room to expand on my prior experience, personality, and personal future goals. Living out of the area, my interviews were held online. Seeing the company cater to this issue really helped to indicate the welcoming nature of everyone at GuyKat.

What do you like the most about your job?

I love that even from day one I have been given the opportunity to guide my own growth. Being trusted to work on high-level projects with well-known clients helped me to build my confidence a significant amount. The variety of work available to partake in at GuyKat means I have been given so many opportunities to build an abundance of new skills and approach creative design from new angles.

What’s the most exciting project you’re working on right now?

Working as a member of the UX/UI team, I am currently running monthly quality assurance testing on a client’s sign-up form in numerous languages to ensure the interface is consistent and the user experience is of significantly high quality. It’s highly rewarding to know that your work can improve many diverse users’ journeys.

Did you have any concerns about joining GuyKat?

Relocating to a new part of the UK was already a daunting prospect. I worried that once there, I would be inexperienced compared to others at the company.

How were these concerns diminished? 

When I joined GuyKat, I realised how supportive each and every team member was. From day one I felt empowered to reach out for help and realised there was so much room for continuous growth and knowledge expansion.

How have you grown since being at GuyKat?

Before GuyKat, I was particularly anxious surrounding client calls. Over time, I slowly was able to ease myself into remedying this weakness. Team members encouraged me to shadow calls when I first started then over time I began to feel empowered and confident to speak independently.  

What makes GuyKat unique?

GuyKat is unique in its approach to equal learning and professional growth. At most companies, you are required to be within a particular department in order to gain experience or exposure to that role. Within GuyKat however, everyone supports each other as a team in enabling unreserved knowledge sharing company-wide. Being able to guide your own growth and being trusted to work on such a diverse range of projects is highly valuable.

What has your experience been with GuyKat company culture?

The culture at GuyKat has been unlike any I have seen before. No matter what issue, question, request, or even just general chat I feel in need of, I can always reach out to any of the team no matter their job role. The buddy scheme has also enabled me to speak to colleagues I don’t often work with. When you first join the company, the rest of the team are encouraged to book in a short ‘Hello Chat’ to get to know each other, making you feel included from the moment you join the team.

What kind of support do you receive from the team?

No matter what support you are seeking (including inside and outside of work), the team is always there to help out or point you in the right direction. I find it really valuable that if I ever have any knowledge gaps or would like any reassurance in the way I am approaching a task, I can always reach out to colleagues.

How did you find the onboarding process? 

One onboarding process that stood out to me was when I first joined the content team. A colleague had taken time to plan out my first few weeks in my new role. This involved setting me up with a project to create an eLearning module that we could review and discuss on scheduled calls. Other team members would also help answer any questions by setting up meetings to talk through their methodology, previous work, and set up mini-projects to practice what I had learned.

Any advice on those interested in pursuing a career at GuyKat?

Empower yourself to take a leap of faith outside of your comfort zone! The level of growth you can gain both professionally and as an individual if you make the most of the opportunities on offer is incredible. Whether you have a curiosity or a passionate interest in any particular area of the company, no doors to progression and knowledge are shut at GuyKat.

The post Amelia’s Graduate Trainee Experience at GuyKat appeared first on GuyKat.

Jane joined GuyKat in 2020 as Office Manager. Today she shares what her experience with GuyKat has been like so far.

What is your role at GuyKat and how long have you been working here?

My role at GuyKat is Office Manager and I have been working here for 2 years now.

What does being an Office Manager entail?

My role is very varied. As Office Manager, I look after the day-to-day running of the office, liaise with our landlords, and make sure we have enough supplies. I also take care of a lot of the accounts for both the UK and US offices. This involves invoicing, accruals, any intercompany recharges that take place monthly, maintaining the asset register, and processing bills. I also take care of the HR side of the business, which involves arranging interviews, liaising with candidates, and helping with onboarding. As well as that, I liaise with our clients’ accounts departments regularly when chasing late payments of invoices and I am the person responsible for completing vendor assessments when we take on a new client. I also deal with our company insurance renewals, and I am the Health & Safety Officer!

How did you begin your journey as Office Manager?

I was looking for a part-time role and I really liked the advert that was posted on Indeed for the Office Manager role. The fact that the advert spoke about finding the right person and then building the role around that person according to their talents attracted me. I was also looking for flexible working and GuyKat was open to that. However, at the time of the interview, I was unable to go into the office to meet our CEO, as I had broken my ankle and wrist. The interview was conducted over Zoom and the rest is history! Guy, the CEO of GuyKat, told me to take a leap of faith and I am so glad that I did!

What do you like the most about your job?

I like the variety of tasks that fall under my remit. I really like interacting with my fellow GuyKatters, which usually starts with me calling them to arrange an interview, right through to them starting at GuyKat and then watching them grow into their role and become part of the GuyKat family.

Did you have any concerns about joining GuyKat?

Not really, only the normal first-day nerves, but I was more excited about meeting Guy and the rest of the team in person.

How have you grown since being at GuyKat?

I have always been quite confident, but I think I have grown as a person since joining GuyKat. The support that we all give each other makes it such a positive place to work – something that is quite unique in my experience.

 What makes GuyKat unique?

I do believe that the people are what makes GuyKat unique. Our CEO, Guy, has a ‘2 pints and puppy’ philosophy when interviewing which means he chooses people that he believes would happily socialise and have fun with the team but also has to be trusted to look after our most precious pets, and so far he has got that spot on. I hope it can continue as we grow.

What has your experience been with GuyKat company culture?

The culture at GuyKat is a very nurturing and supportive one. We are all very different characters, carefully chosen by our CEO and yet we all gel together and help one another and support one another. I have never experienced anything like it. The backbone of Guykat is our culture and long may it continue to be so.

Any advice on those interested in pursuing a career at GuyKat?

Go for it! Really don’t hesitate to approach us. We are always looking for the right people to join our ever-expanding team. You won’t regret it!

The post Jane’s Office Manager Experience at GuyKat appeared first on GuyKat.

Georgina joined GuyKat’s Graduate Scheme in 2020. She now works as Translations Project Manager. Today she’s sharing what her experience has been like at GuyKat so far.

What is your role at GuyKat and how long have you been working here?

 I am a Translations Project Manager and I joined in March 2020.

What does your job as Translations Project Manager entail?

I manage each step of the localization process. This involves initiating, executing, and closing projects, from project kickoffs to creating detailed project plans and deliverables.  I coordinate internally and externally with stakeholders.

How did you begin your journey as Translations Project Manager?

I started in March 2020 on the Graduate Scheme where I worked in the Pro Services Team. I learned a lot about the Learning Management System (LMS) and Docebo, and also shadowed client calls. Within a week I was helping with support tickets and speaking to some of our biggest clients. In my second rotation, I worked within the Content Team and Translations where I learned to work with Articulate 360. Although I’m not very artistic, the team was very supportive when I struggled with more creative aspects. In June 2020 an opportunity came up to move into Translations. Even though I was only halfway through my Graduate Scheme, I put myself forward for the role as I thought I was an excellent fit. It wasn’t an area of the business I’d thought about going into but I love languages and I love the client-side of work so it’s been a really good fit.

What were you doing before joining GuyKat?

After graduating from university I went into teaching for about 8 years so I’ve always been in education, really. Between teaching and GuyKat I worked as a private tutor, a social media manager, a car salesman, and I went travelling. It’s never too late to try something new or change your career, I think if you see something that interests you, you should go for it.

What made you initially apply to the Graduate Scheme?

I was aware of eLearning because I have spent a lot of my spare time learning new things on the computer but it had never occurred to me that I could work in eLearning. I just always sort of thought it grew on trees. The Grad Scheme at GuyKat appealed to me because it is only a year – which meant I knew I’d be busy as there’s so much that goes on, covering it in a year will be fast-paced but it also means I’d hit the ground running and get my career started quickly which benefits everyone.  The other reason GuyKat caught my eye is the structure of the Grad Scheme; you rotate through every area of the business so, not only do you get an excellent all-round view of how the business works, you get an opportunity to tailor your role to the areas you enjoyed working the most and you come out with a much wider range of skills.

What do you like the most about your job?

I love the fact that my projects are always incredibly varied. I get exposure to many different languages and the implementation process is always different with each project. I’m constantly being challenged to find new ways to improve the process and there are always interesting issues that come up with implementing languages.

What’s the most exciting project you’re working on right now?

I’ve been working on a Localisation project for a skincare brand. It’s a beautiful module all about the brand history. We created the module here at GuyKat, and I’ve been implementing the changes into 10 languages – including Arabic which is very challenging.

Did you have any concerns about joining GuyKat?

I was concerned about starting a Graduate Scheme so long after actually graduating, as I graduated in 2010, but I was made to feel welcome and challenged where needed. I was given plenty of responsibility early on and I feel that my strengths were taken into account from day one.

How have you grown since being at GuyKat?

My role is quite face-to-face and I have become much more confident speaking to clients and managing stakeholders.  I have really enjoyed being given the opportunity to make the role my own and the freedom to improve the processes.  I work closely with the Content Team and they are always willing to offer advice and pitch in to help me out whenever I need it.

What makes GuyKat unique?

GuyKat has grown hugely over the last year or so and is continuing to grow at pace. It started as a small company and it has retained that small company feel.  Everyone is willing to help, even if it is outside their usual work, in fact, people jump at the opportunity to learn something new.

What has your experience been with GuyKat company culture?

There is a great sense of community here, from helping each other out inside of work to spending time together outside of work.

Any advice on those interested in pursuing a career at GuyKat?

Be willing to learn and get stuck in. Give everything a go – even if you’re not sure it’s your thing. You never know what you might find!

The post Georgina’s Translations Project Management Experience at GuyKat appeared first on GuyKat.

Kathryn joined GuyKat in 2020 as an Intern, before becoming one of GuyKat’s eLearning Designers three months later. Today she shares how she is finding working at GuyKat.

What does your job as eLearning Designer entail?

As part of the eLearning team, I help with the storyboarding, design, and development of eLearning modules. It’s a really great mix of logic and creativity, which I love. I’ve also had the opportunity to project manage and help out with internal processes such as onboarding, recruitment, and marketing. 

How did you begin your journey as an eLearning Designer?

I started as an Intern, initially on a 3-month temporary contract. I had no experience in the eLearning industry, so it was a nice way to get a foot-in-the-door and to prove what I could do. 

What were you doing before joining GuyKat?

Before joining GuyKat, I worked in recruitment for nearly four years. Although I gained a lot from the experience and I’m really glad I did it, I’ve always wanted to do something creative that would allow me to explore my passion for design and writing.

What made you decide to apply to GuyKat and change the direction of your career?

GuyKat’s culture really stood out to me. It was clear that autonomy and progression were a priority, and in the past, I’ve enjoyed having the freedom to shape my own role and career. Equally, I was excited about the prospect of designing for big brands I admire.

What was the interview process like?

It was the best interview I’ve ever had. It was a back-and-forth conversation, rather than the grilling which I’d experienced in other companies. I felt I was listened to and treated as an individual, which gave me confidence that GuyKat would mould the role around me rather than the other way round. 

What do you like the most about your job?

As an eLearning designer, I enjoy the variation the most. Every project is different, which keeps things exciting because I am always learning something new. eLearning modules come in all shapes and sizes and because it’s a fairly new industry you have the opportunity to introduce new ways of working. 

What’s the most exciting project you’re working on right now?

I’m currently working on a module for one of our biggest clients and it’s all about change. It’s a very interactive course and teaches the learner how to drive and respond to change in a business setting. The organisation has beautiful branding, so I’m having a lot of fun with it!

Did you have any concerns before joining GuyKat?

The only concern I had before joining GuyKat was my lack of experience in the area. 

How were these concerns diminished?

Although I hadn’t worked in eLearning before, the leadership team has a knack for choosing people who they know will pick it up quickly and who are keen to learn. So if you’re eager, and you put the work in, the team will support you and you can develop very quickly. 

How have you grown since joining GuyKat?

It’s crazy to look back on the last year and a half because having joined GuyKat with no direct experience, I’m now a fully-fledged eLearning Designer and I feel like a valued part of the team! Having never touched Storyline 360 or any of the Adobe software, I can now use the majority of them with confidence. I still have a lot to learn, but that keeps things interesting.

What makes GuyKat unique?

The culture makes GuyKat unique. It’s very rare to find an environment with so much freedom and with a team who are all passionate about what they do.

What has your experience been with GuyKat company culture?

We have a hugely sociable atmosphere and everybody wants to get involved. I’ve never felt so comfortable or welcomed into a company. People genuinely want to help and support each other. 

What kind of support do you receive from the team?

The team is always on hand to offer training and to share their expertise. On-the-job learning is our main approach, but no question ever goes unanswered and there’s always someone willing to hop onto a call, which was especially helpful during lockdown!

Any advice on those interested in pursuing a career at GuyKat?

If you’re interested in pursuing a career at GuyKat, remember it’s all about attitude and work ethic. Although I didn’t have direct experience, I showcased what I could do in my application. It’s important to tailor your cover letter and show how much you care. The freedom you’re given isn’t for everyone, so if you’re looking for a structured, linear career path, we’re not the company for you. Being proactive, self-motivated, and taking ownership is key in my opinion, even if you have eLearning experience behind you. Also, because we’re very sociable at GuyKat, we value people who want to join in and get to know the team!

The post Kathryn’s eLearning Design Experience at GuyKat appeared first on GuyKat.

Jess joined GuyKat in 2021 as an eLearning Design Intern, before taking on a permanent role as one of our Junior eLearning Designers. Today she shares what her experience at GuyKat has been like so far.

What is your role at GuyKat and how long have you been working here?

I am a Junior eLearning Designer, and I’ve been working at GuyKat for 8 months.

What does your job as a Junior eLearning Designer entail? 

My day-to-day work involves taking eLearning content provided by the client and turning it into bespoke eLearning content. The roles at GuyKat are quite flexible in that we can be involved in many different parts of that process, and personally, I enjoy getting stuck into as many different parts of that process as I can. This means on a day-to-day basis, I could be designing content on design software Articulate, storyboarding raw content, creating concept art, working on graphics and visuals for a client, or working on translated versions of modules.

How did you begin your journey as a Junior eLearning Designer?

I began as an eLearning Design Intern for 3 months before taking on a permanent role as one of GuyKat’s Junior eLearning Designers.

What were you doing before joining GuyKat?

I have been on a bit of a journey in terms of discovering what I wanted to do with my career. Before joining GuyKat I worked on an acute mental health hospital ward and as a freelance artist.

What made you decide to apply to GuyKat in the first place? 

After a few years of working in mental health, I found I was missing being creative in my day-to-day work. I then enrolled for a Master’s in Illustration and Animation and worked as a freelance artist before realising that I wanted to both learn and design simultaneously. When I saw the job listing for an internship at GuyKat, I knew instantly that it was the job I had been searching for. It appeared to me to be a fantastic mesh of being creative and learning at the same time, and I was not wrong!

How did you find the interview process?

Prior to the interview with GuyKat, I had had many awful interviews with other companies one after the other, so believe me when I say that the interview process with GuyKat was smooth and, dare I say, enjoyable! They were very professional but personable, and they made me feel incredibly comfortable throughout the whole process. At the end of my interview, I remember asking “What do YOU enjoy about your jobs?” and their answers convinced me that this company was one that I wanted to be a part of.

What do you like the most about your job?

I like the variety of my role. I get to work on many different subject matters in many different industries with very different branding guidelines. I can play to my strengths but am also encouraged to develop my skills and choose the kind of job that I would like to have. I can experience the various parts of the business and if, say, I’d like to get better at storyboarding, I can. If I want to learn more about UX/UI design, I can. There are so many different paths you can carve for yourself, and that’s what I like the most.

What’s the most exciting project you’re working on right now?

I’m working on a couple of exciting projects at the moment, but the most exciting project recently has been for a skincare brand. I enjoy their branding and the content has been incredibly interesting to work on and the scope of the project has allowed us to push the boundaries of what we thought we could achieve. 

Did you have any concerns about joining GuyKat?

I didn’t have any concerns about joining GuyKat specifically but I was anxious to be making a huge career change. It turns out that joining GuyKat has been the best decision I have ever made for myself, and if I could go back and change one thing about my past, I would have made that decision sooner!

How have you grown since being at GuyKat?

I have grown both personally and professionally since joining GuyKat. Besides the fact that I have learned software packages and become more confident with the software knowledge I already did have, I have grown so much personally. Everyone I work with is so incredibly supportive, encouraging, and knowledgeable. It is impossible to feel small and unworthy when they make you feel so comfortable and supported in your role.

What makes GuyKat unique?

The people are what makes GuyKat unique. I have worked in many unsupportive workplaces with colleagues that just wanted to climb the career ladder, without taking anyone’s feelings into consideration. It is not like that at GuyKat. My colleagues are not trying to climb the ladder by climbing on top of me, and I’m not trying to climb on top of them. If GuyKat were the Lion King, Mufasa and Scar would rule side by side and the Hyenas would not be outcasts.  

What has your experience been with GuyKat company culture?

There’s a simple test about trust in the workplace where you ask yourself: “Would I have two beers with this person?” and “Would I allow this person to look after my puppy over a weekend?” I can neither confirm nor deny that many drinks have been had after work, but I can say that I would trust any of my colleagues with looking after my dog over a weekend (she’s a handful, so that’s saying a LOT).

What kind of support do you receive from the team?

My team is incredibly supportive and helpful. If I have any issues, there are many people I can ask for help, and everyone is always so full of knowledge and willing to help you with anything.

How did you find the onboarding process? 

My first week at GuyKat was the best first week I have ever had. As soon as I was halfway through my first day, I knew I’d made the right decision to join GuyKat. Everything from how GuyKat came to be, how the business works, to how to use the various software we need to know was covered in that process.

Any advice on those interested in pursuing a career at GuyKat?

Apply. That’s my advice. Apply and be willing to take a lead role in your own career development. Everyone that you’ll work with wants you to succeed – you just have to work out where you want to be, and we’ll help you get there.

The post Jess’s eLearning Design Experience at GuyKat appeared first on GuyKat.

Helen joined GuyKat in 2021 as Junior eLearning Designer. Today she shares what her experience at GuyKat has been like so far.

What does your job as a Junior eLearning Designer entail?

My job is to develop eLearning modules for clients using content creation software Storyline and Rise. A usual day will consist of designing and developing the look and feel of the module, using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop to edit image assets to input into the module, having internal team calls to check in with our progress for each project, and having client calls to keep them up to date with timelines and deal with any queries. 

How did you begin your journey as an eLearning Designer?

I studied Fine Art at university which really solidified my designing process and creative thinking skills, so I knew I wanted to work in a creative industry.

What were you doing before joining GuyKat? 

My first job out of university was as a Visual Merchandiser, and due to the shop closing down in the first lockdown in 2020, I took on a temporary role of Head Barista at a local farm shop. During this time, I was searching for a creative role that would allow me to explore graphic design and improve my creative skills. 

What made you decide to apply for a role at GuyKat?

Having come from a background in Fine Arts, I hadn’t had much opportunity to use software such as Adobe Creative Suite professionally. However, whilst furloughed and then during redundancy, I started creating digital drawings using Procreate on my iPad and soon discovered a passion for digital art and graphic design. I realised that this was something I wanted to pursue a career in, but struggled to find jobs that allowed me to train on the job without much experience. A lot of ‘entry-level roles’ were asking for 2+ years experience in graphic design or proficiency using Adobe software. GuyKat, however, was exactly the company I was looking for: open-minded to people wanting to change the direction of their career, and able to provide the training and support to do so.

How did you find the interview process?

Interviewing at GuyKat was a really pleasant experience – it was the first time I was able to be myself in an interview process. I had the chance to ask lots of questions too about the business and came away feeling even more sure that it was the right company for me.

What do you like the most about your job?

I love that each day is different and I have the opportunity to work with amazing brands.

What’s the most exciting project you’re working on right now?

I’ve been working on a module for a skincare brand that has the most beautiful scrapbook-style branding. It has given me the opportunity to refine my skills in Illustrator and Photoshop and be more involved in client calls.

Did you have any concerns about joining GuyKat?

I was worried that my lack of experience in Adobe and eLearning authoring software would mean I wouldn’t be able to work on client projects straight away. However, I had great on-the-job training using these tools with the team and introductory training projects to practice using the software before starting on client projects. I’m quite a practical person so learning the software as I worked meant I was able to pick things up quickly, make mistakes, ask lots of questions, and I ended up starting my first client project just one month into my role at GuyKat. 

How have you grown since joining GuyKat?

I’ve never learned so much so quickly! The technological side of creating eLearning modules has been a big learning curve for me (especially with things like variables and states) but with the help of my colleagues, I was able to grasp this quicker than I expected. I’ve also grown in confidence – I’m usually quite a shy person, but now feel confident to speak up in client calls, present work, make design suggestions, and do presentations at team events. 

What makes GuyKat unique?

I think GuyKat is unique because eLearning is quite a niche market and so there are lots of learning opportunities as trends and technology change and evolve. There is also a lot of flexibility when you work at GuyKat – you can tailor your role to suit your skills and expertise, and have the ability to work across teams if you wish. 

What has your experience with GuyKat company culture been like?

The company culture at GuyKat is fantastic and unlike anywhere I’ve been before. Everyone genuinely cares about your professional and personal development. I feel well supported and was so warmly welcomed when I first started that I was able to be myself from day one. It is great to be part of a talented and hard-working team.

What kind of support do you receive from the team?

My colleagues are always happy to hop on a call with me to help me navigate through new software or help with a query, and I’ve had the opportunity to have training sessions in design principles, Illustrator, and storyboarding. We have 1-1s every few weeks with CEO, Guy which makes me feel really well supported.

How did you find the onboarding process?

The onboarding at GuyKat was great. Within the first few weeks, I’d had training in some of the software I would be using daily, training modules to create to put what I’d learnt into practice, a couple of team days where I really grasped an understanding of what GuyKat offers as a business and what the eLearning and Professional Services teams do. All this meant that I felt like I settled into the team really quickly and learned so much every day.

Any advice on those pursuing a career at GuyKat?

If you’re applying, show us how much you enjoy learning yourself! We learn and share knowledge every day, so it’s a huge part of the role.

Do you want to join our supportive team? Click below to explore all our available vacancies.

The post Helen’s eLearning Design Experience at GuyKat appeared first on GuyKat.

Jay joined GuyKat’s Graduate Scheme in 2021. Today he shares what his experience at GuyKat has been like so far.

What does your job as Graduate Trainee entail?

My role involves completing placements and rotating around different areas of the business to gain experience from all teams, before ultimately deciding on a final role at the end. Depending on the rotation, I have the opportunity to work in all areas of the business (eLearning, Pro Services, Business Admin, Translations, and UX/UI). So far I have worked in the eLearning Team where I designed custom eLearning content for clients and learned how to use content creation software such as Storyline, Rise, Adobe Illustrator, and Photoshop. I’m currently working in the Pro Services Team and help support our clients with Docebo, a Learning Management System GuyKat is partnered with. My day-to-day is extremely varied. One day I can be helping answer clients’ queries, the next I can be working on projects and helping with admin support, page design, and more. I have recently been given the opportunity to take part in client calls which has helped build my knowledge of the eLearning industry and my overall confidence when communicating professionally.

How did you begin your journey as Graduate Trainee?

I studied Sport & Exercise Science at university and after six years in the health and science industry, I no longer enjoyed going to work. I had lost the passion for what I was doing and felt ready for a change. I saw the Graduate Scheme being advertised on Indeed and applied there and then! I was really happy to have gotten through to the interview stage, which was very professional but felt relaxed at the same time. It felt like much more of a conversation rather than an interview. 

What do you like the most about being a Graduate Trainee at GuyKat?

I really enjoy working with such great people and having the opportunity to work in all the different teams, as I learn a large variety of skills from each.

What’s the most exciting project you’re working on at the moment?

I have just finished working on a project where I worked closely with the UX/UI Team to design multiple pages for their Docebo platform. It was great to see my designs built into a functioning page.

Did you have any concerns about joining GuyKat?

I was very nervous to join GuyKat as it was a huge career change from my background in healthcare to all of a sudden being in the eLearning industry but my concerns quickly went away. The onboarding process was amazing and very quickly I felt supported. I was quickly immersed in the team and the company’s culture so I felt comfortable asking for help. The team gave me the necessary resources to succeed but also gave me the independence to manage my own workload, which I appreciated. It’s easy to feel a bit of imposter syndrome when you first start somewhere but the longer I’ve been here, the more that goes away, and that’s down to the great support network at GuyKat.

How are you supported at GuyKat?

There is always so much support on offer at GuyKat. Everyone in the team receives monthly 1-1’s with Guy, the CEO of GuyKat. These give you the opportunity to talk about your professional development and where you want to go in your career. We’re also encouraged to set up ‘Hello Chats’ with new starters which is great when you’re new, as it eliminates that awkward feeling of not knowing the people you work with. As well as that, we have a Buddy System, where we have set groups that meet weekly to talk about how we’re doing and have a general chat. In general, whether people are in the office or working from home that day, the people at GuyKat are always happy to offer you guidance. All you have to do is ask.

How have you grown since joining GuyKat?

I’ve grown a lot at GuyKat. My confidence and skills have grown a lot in such a short space of time thanks to the support of the teams I’ve been a part of.

What makes GuyKat unique?

GuyKat’s emphasis on learning and work ethic over past experience is what makes it unique. I was given a rare opportunity in modern-day hiring as many jobs require years of experience and high-level qualifications for entry-level jobs, whereas, at the Graduate Scheme at GuyKat, you are taught skills and trained on the job.

What has your experience been with GuyKat company culture?

From day one I felt that the company’s culture and values aligned with mine. I’ve never felt more like a part of a team than I do right now. 

Any advice on those interested in pursuing a career at GuyKat?

I would say just go for it! I nearly didn’t apply to the Graduate Scheme because of my background being different to what I thought the usual applicants would be, but I’m so glad I took the risk as I’m now gaining so much experience in an exciting industry.

Do you want to join our supportive team? Click below to explore all our available vacancies.

The post Jay’s Graduate Trainee Experience at GuyKat appeared first on GuyKat.