How long have you been with us and what did you study at university?
I have been with Persimmon now three years, first joining as a General Management Trainee after leaving university in September 2021. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and a Masters degree in International Banking and Finance.
What is your current role and what has your career journey been so far ?
As mentioned, in 2021 I joined Persimmon as a General Management Trainee. After spending a year rotating around all the different departments in my operating company, I then had a clear understanding that the Land department was where I wanted to pursue a full-time career. Thankfully, after conversations with the Land Director, Managing Director and the Director or Talent and Diversity a position opened, and I joined my region full time as an Assistant Land Manager.
What do you enjoy about working at Persimmon?
Persimmon is one of the Housebuilding sectors leading brands. A career here offers endless opportunities and avenues to progress. Since I have joined and spoke with various individuals, it is evident that there is a push to promote from within, where individuals can work their way up to the very top if they have the ability and desire to do so. At Persimmon I have worked with highly skilled and experienced members of staff, that I have continuously learnt from and helped me develop as a professional.
What might a typical week look like for someone in your role ?
The work I do in the land team varies week by week and covers a wide range of areas. Some of the key work I undertake includes securing Housing Association Partners across all our schemes, finding and securing new land opportunities which have potential for residential led development as well as generally managing our existing land portfolio.
How have you found the graduate scheme and the support you’ve received?
The Graduate scheme was brilliant for me. After leaving university, whilst I had a keen interest in the Housebuilding sector, I didn’t have a clear idea as to the career path I wanted to pursue. The rotation aspect of the graduate programme gave me the experiences I needed to truly clarify this, allowing me time to understand where my skills were best utilised as well as the type of work I found most rewarding.
I also received a wide range of support which allowed me to get the most out of the scheme. During my time on the scheme, I had periodic catch-up meetings with the head of the programme, Madi, during these calls we would reflect on the tasks I had done over the last period as well as address any questions/ concerns I may have had at the time. I also found that all the Managers and Directors in the various departments were very much on board with the scheme and did their upmost to expose me to a range of work and were always accommodating to any questions or queries I had. Finally, my assigned mentor, James, was always around in the office or available over the phone to check in on me or to answer any queries I had.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about applying?
Go for it! Persimmon is a brilliant company to work for and the scheme provides the perfect opportunity to get your foot in the door. It sets you up perfectly for a career in a market leading company in one of the economies pivotal sectors.