The graduate journey into work in 2020

2020 has been an unusual year for graduates starting their very first “proper” jobs. So we caught up with Beth Evans, 7 weeks into her first post-graduate role as Marketing Executive, here at Swansway Group, to hear about her experiences.

She says: “I’d been told that being a graduate and securing your first graduate role can be a challenging and stressful experience, however, starting a new job during a global pandemic definitely added an extra layer of uncertainty for me.

I was really lucky to have had the chance to do a placement year for manufacturing group PSA Group as part of my undergraduate studies. And this was the best thing I could have done to get myself ready to apply for a full-time job. Work experience allowed me to learn a lot of practical skills and to build on my academic knowledge. I am very grateful to PSA for that opportunity and I applaud all the organisations, including Swansway Group, that help give new entrants to an industry a start in this way.

I had identified Swansway Group as somewhere I would like to work and I applied for a role just as lockdown hit. I wasn't expecting to hear any more about the role after that, but I was lucky enough to get a call a few weeks later and was delighted to receive an offer!

A great deal of my new job “hand holding” was undertaken remotely, with my line manager communicating with me over MS Teams and Zoom. And even in person, “looking over someone’s shoulder” takes on a whole new meaning when we are staying socially distant! But none of that has stopped me from really enjoying my new role and being excited about coming into work each day. I have particularly valued working within a family business where we see the Directors frequently, and we can really see the positive impact of our efforts.”

Here at Swansway Group we are wishing all job-seekers and new starters the very best of luck with their endeavours. And if a career in the motor industry is something you might enjoy then check for opportunities with us by clicking on our vacancies page.