Graduate Case Studies - Baljit Singh - Real World Diversity - Ethnic Minorities - Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Baljit Singh, 28, is a computer engineering graduate from Sheffield Hallam University. He began working as a branch manager at Enterprise Rent-a-Car just over two years ago.
What's your background?
To be honest I had never thought about going into this type of business when I was at university. My interest was computer engineering and so I expected to follow a career in
that area. However, as my degree progressed I had a change of heart and became more and more interested in management. I knew that I wanted to get into this type of role but, after graduation, I initially got a job selling mortgages. However, I was still looking for a
graduate position, so I signed up to the university's recruitment agency which was there to help recent graduates find jobs. They told me about the opportunities available at Enterprise Rent-a-Car and I've never looked back.
How did you handle your job hunt?
As soon as I found out Enterprise ran a graduate programme I decided to research it a little bit further. I quickly discovered it was a two-year scheme that didn't just encompass sales, but taught you all aspects of the business including marketing, accounts, management and training. I found this approach very interesting, as many graduate schemes just look at one area. I applied for the position and after a tough interview
process was accepted on to the programme.
Did you face any barriers?
Not at all - at Enterprise it doesn't matter who you are or what your background is as long as you are good at your job. The company is looking for skills such as how good you are
at customer service, sales, meeting deadlines and managing and training staff, rather than whether you come from an ethnic minority or not. I've found that I have been given a lot of responsibility very quickly - I was even able to supervise staff at a small branch while I
was still on the graduate scheme. The company rewards hard work and ability here, which is why I like it so much.
Any tips for fellow graduates?
Work hard on your skills set because if you have the main ones perfected then there is nothing to hold you back in the workplace. Coming from an ethnic minority isn't a barrier
to working hard, so just go for it. However, if you do experience any discrimination at work don't stand for it - the majority of companies are working hard to eradicate it, so don't put up with bad practice from a small proportion of businesses.
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