Fayez’s Story
Fayez enjoying his role as Finance Assistant with GoodWork partner, Gett
“Growing up in certain backgrounds, you see people going to work on trains, in suits, with briefcases and you don’t ever think you can get there. But if you work hard, seek out programmes like this and find the right support and opportunities, you can.”
Cohort 2 Graduate, Fayez shares his journey from the GoodWork programme into the world of Finance…
Could you tell me about your situation before GoodWork - what were your career aspirations and barriers?
I was in sixth form and very worried about where I was going. I was studying business and computer science but knew I wanted a role in finance. I’d always been good with numbers but every finance job I saw needed a degree or previous work experience, which you don’t get at college.
What kind of support had the biggest impact on you throughout the programme?
What had the biggest impact on me was mentorship. I had 2 mentors throughout the 6 months and they helped me so much - my first mentor helped with my CV and reaching out to people and my most recent mentor had more of a network in finance so he used to reach out to recruiters and headhunters to put in a good word for me. Where I had no corporate experience, having community and a group of people in the same boat as me was also really great.
Fayez alongside the rest of Cohort 2, celebrating their GoodWork graduation!
Could you tell us a little about your journey to finding a role?
My process with getting roles was very long - it took a lot of hard work and determination! Very early on, I got offered a customer service role but it just wasn’t something I wanted. I was determined to get a true finance role. The GoodWork team was helping me apply for jobs every single day and just after the programme ended I got offered a Finance Assistant Internship with Gett. I was very relieved and excited, but also nervous because it was my first corporate job. It’s a very different environment, going from hospitality to a corporate office, but the team at Gett are so welcoming.
How did GoodWork and your mentor support this transition?
GoodWork worked very hard in making sure I settled into my role okay, I had constant check ups and messages from the team, even now, I still message the team if I have any questions about anything! My mentor has also been very supportive in helping me with my LinkedIn once I started the role and general check ups to see how I’m getting on. I also attended the Cohort 3 Transition to Work days, which have helped me with difficult conversations at work, dealing with impostor syndrome and much more!
What did your role with Gett involve, and how did you find it?
The role was amazing! It was a six month contract, with 3 months each in two different departments. I worked a lot in the more customer facing side of finance so was on the phone every day and it kept me really active. I think it’s really good they’ve given me the experience to see two different sides of the industry.
What influence has this had on your career?
Originally in finance I had no idea where I wanted to go. But speaking to people who have been in the industry a lot longer, I’ve realised I’d like to get my qualifications and focus on accounting or accounts management. It’s made me realise what I’m good at and given me direction. It’s also helped me get used to a corporate environment and how to network within that so I know I can fit into any workplace more easily.
How do you feel your life is different now compared to how it might be if you hadn’t been through the GoodWork programme?
If it wasn’t for GoodWork, I’d probably be in a role that I didn’t enjoy. Before GoodWork I was looking for any job possible and would have taken it. The programme helped me find the right career path and enjoy the work I’m doing. As well as this, I used to be quite introverted and didn’t like networking, but GoodWork helped us to branch out. Now I network all the time; on a night out or at dinner, I talk to everyone! It’s helped me come out of my shell!
Why do you believe GoodWork is an important and impactful project to support?
I would say GoodWork targets a very underappreciated audience; a lot of people who come from these kinds of backgrounds find it very difficult to find opportunities. It’s the most difficult thing to get into the corporate world because you don’t get given such chances, but GoodWork really values people who find this difficult. Breaking into the job market can be impossible but GoodWork helps break down that barrier, builds our confidence, and makes us feel like we deserve to be in this kind of job.
What would you say to other young people in a similar situation to where you were?
It might sound quite generic but I would say keep pushing. A lot of people in my situation feel like it’s impossible. Growing up in certain backgrounds, you see people going to work on trains, in suits with briefcases and you don’t ever think you can get there. But if you work hard, seek out programmes like this and find the right support and opportunities, you can.
It’s been a pleasure to partner with the Gett to assist with their entry level hiring; they commented, “We wanted a way to diversify our talent pipeline and remove barriers to entry for our junior roles - it was very clear from the early conversation with GoodWork that they shared that same passion. Felicity and the team have been fundamental in shaping the Gett programme to create opportunities for a broad range of candidates to thrive in the workplace”
If you’re an employer looking to make inclusive entry level hires, read more about recruiting through GoodWork.