This week is National Careers Week, a one-week event dedicated to career guidance and development. Coinciding with International Women’s Day this Saturday, it's the perfect opportunity to focus on the support we have in place to empower you in your career.
At GC we have lots of support available to help all colleagues in their career development:
- Training opportunities: There are lots of opportunities on PAL for colleagues to attend sessions focused on career development, resilience, wellbeing, leadership skills, and more.
- Our EDI Networks: At GC we have eight EDI Networks for colleagues to join that promote and recognise the value that EDI brings to our organisation. Joining a Network is a great opportunity to broaden your personal network within GC and get involved in exciting projects that have a positive impact in areas you’re passionate about.
- Volunteering: Our volunteering policy, Volunteer2day, allows you to take up to two days leave in a one-year rolling period to volunteer. Volunteering can be a great opportunity to gain new skills and broaden your network in areas that you are interested in.
- Mentoring scheme: The GC Internal Mentoring Programme (iMentor) was launched at the start of 2024 to match more experienced colleagues (mentors) with other less experienced colleagues (mentees). Our second cohort is currently underway, if you missed the chance this time, keep an eye out for announcements for cohort three later this year.
- Internal Careers Page: The Internal Careers Page is home to all vacancies across GC, including those that are currently advertised exclusively to colleagues. Keep an eye on the page to see if there is anything you would be interested in.
Over the past year, we’ve showcased lots of colleagues’ career journeys to share their experiences and advice. As it's International Women’s Day this weekend, we thought we’d showcase some of the tips from some of our female colleagues to give you some inspiration this National Careers Week:
Keri Brookes: “It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on the internal vacancies page if you’re looking to progress or have a chat with your manager about development opportunities. For me GC, has been and is a great place to work!”
Dawn Duggan: “If your career isn’t going the way you want it to, re-route it, traditional or not, and believe in yourself and skills and never stop learning.”
Rebecca Drakeford: “My advice to our colleagues would be, if you are looking to progress your career then look within GC, whether that’s via the internal careers page, speaking to your manager, our Ed & Skills offerings, or through benefits such as mentoring. There is something for everyone at GC.”
Sharon Mehta: “At GC we have so many different teams and different people, who are really supportive, many have been here a long time as well. Whilst you’re here, make some good friends, our people and being part of a large supportive team is one of the things that keeps me going.”
Jennifer Bullimore: “I'd say keep an open mind about the opportunities that come your way. At GC, you’ll discover what you’re good at and what aligns with your strengths. The environment is very supportive, so be open to growth and new possibilities, you’ll find the right fit for you.”