From Grad to Globetrotter: How Sage Backed Our Career Journeys

Four years ago, Aoife and Anushka met as nervous graduates on their first day at Sage. Today they are reflecting on a journey that underscores the power of trust, exposure, and unwavering support in a successful career.

Aoife and Anushka

The Unique Power of the Sage Grad Programme

Both Aoife and Anushka agree that the exposure and experience they gained within the Talent Acquisition (TA) team made the Graduate Programme at Sage stand out. "We got to try out different areas, it just really helped us understand what we enjoyed," Aoife notes.

Anushka highlights the commitment of their leaders: "The mentors that we had and the managers were genuinely committed to our success; giving us good projects and brand exposure." This supportive environment fostered a culture where, as Aoife states, "no question was stupid," and they were constantly encouraged to share their thoughts and opinions.

Furthermore, the programme offers access to senior leaders from day one, giving grads the opportunity to drive powerful initiatives. This flat, collaborative structure is intentional. Anushka recounts a memorable encounter with CEO Steve Hare during her first week. Unknowingly speaking with the CEO about an early careers fair, she was struck by his genuine engagement and desire to understand what was happening at the "ground level." Aoife adds that seeing VPs and directors sitting amongst colleagues, rather than hidden away, fosters a great collaborative environment.

A Career Break, Backed by Trust

Aoife's career journey took an unexpected turn when her partner was offered a 16-month engineering role in Japan. Nervous about approaching her manager, Sarah Jackson, Aoife was met with overwhelming support.

"She couldn't have been more supportive. She said, 'Aoife, you're young and you don't get these experiences all the time,'" Aoife shares.

Not only was Aoife allowed to take a career break to travel, but she was also welcomed back to finish her grad scheme and start permanently as a TA Specialist. During her time away, she developed her skills working as a TA specialist in Japan and returned with new, global experience, a true win-win scenario.

Mentorship: The Catalyst for Growth

For Anushka, who transitioned from Talent Acquisition to the Business Transformation team about nearly a year after her grad programme, mentorship was instrumental. She stresses the value of having diverse perspectives; both from within and outside your immediate team.

"Just having those perspectives to really guide you and leaning on their experience for your own career has been real integral in making the decision to move," Anushka explains. She encourages leveraging resources like the Sage Talent Marketplace to find mentors at every level, as this holistic view can be a "game changer" for making bold career moves.

Aoife's Top Tip for Early Careers Candidates

As a TA Specialist, Aoife’s top advice for those looking to join Sage is simple: Be yourself.

"Don't worry about having an extensive amount of experience," she advises. Sage looks for key characteristics:

• Adaptability and Agility
• Strong Communication
• A willingness to jump onto new projects

Aoife stresses that preparation is key; research the company, know why you want the role, and understand the transferable skills you can bring. Above all, "Don't put too much pressure on yourself.”

If you want to work at a place where your personal and professional goals matter in equal measure look at what Sage has to offer today.