Embracing Change and Growth: My Journey with Sage

Joining Sage marked a transformative shift in my career, allowing me to explore new technical skills, expand my creativity, and find balance in a supportive, people-centred environment. Here’s how Sage’s culture, opportunities, and teamwork have empowered my growth and enriched my professional journey.

How Sage Supports My Work-Life Balance

In my previous career in mental health services with the NHS, I focused on mental and physical well-being as a priority, but Sage has taken that commitment to a new level. Both as an organization and within my team, Sage demonstrates a genuine commitment to employee welfare. They closely monitor our working patterns to promote a healthy work-life balance, which I find incredibly supportive. The team’s approach to care and the investment in each individual is genuine and deeply appreciated.

My Journey to Sage

Throughout my career, I've had a variety of roles, including working as a police officer and spending nearly 30 years in mental health services for the NHS, where I served as both a clinician and a manager. After nearly three decades, I sought a new challenge that would allow me to explore my creativity and expand my professional skills. I was thrilled to discover an apprenticeship with Sage, a path I hadn’t anticipated for someone of my experience and age. The opportunity to join Sage through this route has been a rewarding shift, and I’m grateful for the chance to begin a new chapter here.

How My Role Has Evolved at Sage

Since joining Sage, my role has expanded in exciting ways. I started as an apprentice business intelligence developer, working with a team to deliver analytics through reporting. As I developed my skills, my responsibilities grew, and I was entrusted with broader tasks. I now handle data governance and assist in analyzing sales adjustments monthly. Additionally, I’ve had opportunities to create and implement digital solutions that add value to our team. My role has grown significantly, giving me the chance to make meaningful contributions and use my skills in new ways.

My First Impression of Sage

When I joined Sage, the experience was like stepping into a whole new world. Coming from a public service background, the shift to a commercial setting felt vast, with a different language, work culture, and environment. Despite these differences, Sage struck me as incredibly warm and welcoming. Colleagues went out of their way to support and explain things to me, making my transition smooth. From the outset, it felt like a place that would nurture my ambitions, and my experience has confirmed this initial impression.

A Memorable Experience at Sage

One of my most memorable experiences at Sage has been a unique moment of teamwork. My role involves supporting the sales department by auditing monthly sales and calculating commissions, a process we typically handle in a hybrid setting. One month, our entire team was in the office together, which created a buzz of energy. Working side-by-side allowed us to communicate seamlessly, support each other, and troubleshoot issues together. The camaraderie and effectiveness of our collaboration during that time was inspiring.

How Sage Has Shaped My Growth

My apprenticeship at Sage has introduced me to an entirely new technical field, one I had no prior experience in. Sage has provided the resources, space, and encouragement for me to develop in my new career, and I feel fulfilled professionally. I’m confident that my contributions are valued by my team and the organisation as a whole. Making a late-career transition felt risky, but Sage has proven to be the ideal place for this chapter in my life.

My Favorite Part About Working at Sage

What I love most about working at Sage is the team and culture. My team is full of incredible individuals who genuinely support each other. The range of experience and skills everyone brings makes Sage a place where there’s always something to learn, which is invaluable for someone like me, undergoing a significant career change. Sage’s openness and supportive culture are unlike anything I’ve experienced before, and it makes coming to work each day truly enjoyable.

My Superpower: What I Bring to the Team

My superpower is my hunger for learning and my curiosity. I’m always seeking out new opportunities to expand my knowledge. My background has equipped me with a forensic attention to detail, which is essential in my role. I naturally delve deeply into data, dissecting and analysing every element to uncover the story it tells. This investigative mindset is a strength I bring to my team, and I believe it makes a positive difference in the work we do.

Lorne Carlile (former apprentice, recently promoted).

BI Associate, UK.