Future TalentEd Summer Term 2020 Summer 2020 | Page 9

EMPLOYEE PROFILES
STUDENT RESOURCE
Gatsby Benchmarks 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
FROM
BIOLOGY
TO...
FACILITIES
MANAGEMENT
Jade Martin planned a career in medical
research, but a part-time job led her into the
business sector and to Churchill Group.
So, what do you do all day?
Being an account manager at a large commercial soft services
provider is a hugely versatile role, allowing me to manage my
own diary. Churchill Group is made up of specialist cleaning,
catering, security, environmental and compliance businesses,
and provides clients with specialist single services through to
multi-service solutions.
My job brings variety every day and covers almost every aspect
of the business, from back-office functions including payroll,
ordering stock and invoicing, to being ‘out on the road’, visiting
sites to see clients and our teams on the ground. There are
meetings, recruitment days, quality audits, training sessions and
much more. We’re always busy, whether we’re working proactively
on ways to improve services or reactively to solve problems.
What key skills are invaluable to your role?
Adaptability, confidence and commitment. I have to be ready for
anything, across every aspect of contract management and
service delivery. To ensure the contracts run smoothly, I’ve had
to commit to learning each one, understanding the site, the
staff and the client and then being confident in my approach to
running it.
“Understanding what a career entails
and what your working life could look
like is just as important as your
interest in the topic”
Why did you choose to study biology, and does it help
you in your current career?
I took A level biology, as well as psychology, chemistry and maths,
because I wanted to study neuroscience at degree level.
Neuroscience combines a strength in science and passion for
social science and psychology. Every day I think about how cool
our brains and bodies are... it fascinates me!
I thought that studying neuroscience would lead me into a medical
research career but after starting a part-time job in facilities
management in my second year at university, it made me realise
I preferred business life: seeing clients, managing teams, ensuring
exceptional service delivery. My passion for neuroscience
continues, but understanding what a career entails and what
your working life could look like is just as important as your interest
in the topic.
Doing a fast-track mathematics A level in a year taught me to
persevere. I struggled, and didn’t always get it, but I learned that
was ok. It taught me to be patient and ask for help, something
that I believe is invaluable in any career.
What further qualifications would you need for
your role?
There are plenty of management and industry-related qualifications
you can have, but one of the great things about being an account
manager is that you don’t need specific qualifications, training
or industry experience. The primary skills are transferable across
all industries. Everything else you learn along the way.
What qualities help you to thrive?
Being proactive, enthusiastic – and organised! It’s a blessing
having a flexible working life and understanding employers;
however, this also means I have to be disciplined and organised,
ensuring all work is completed on time and to the best of my
ability. Planning ahead and staying on top of my workload helps
ensure I get the best out of my time at work and job satisfaction
as tasks are ticked off the to-do list!