Even though many of our graduates will have progressed in their careers since completing a case study, they are still of interest to students who wish to gain an understanding of the world of work.

As a Senior Researcher, I work closely with the Partner who heads up the Retail, Consumer, Travel, Leisure & Hospitality practice. I undertake research on all assignments, developing a search strategy, approaching and qualifying candidates, interviewing, and client management. We work across a range of well-known clients in our field, from listed businesses to small, family-owned organisations and start-ups.

Every day is different! From attending networking events to meeting clients and candidates, to desk-based research, the role is incredibly varied, and really what you make of it yourself. Attending interviews is fascinating, and I enjoy building a methodical search process to find and attract the very best talent for every search we work on.

I spend most of my day speaking on the phone and meeting new people, which I really enjoy. Making an introduction between a candidate and a client, and then seeing both of them happy with the end result is really rewarding - we help people get their dream jobs!
We operate at the most senior level, so have some fascinating conversations and gain insight from some very impressive candidates and clients.

Delivering against and managing client expectations is probably the most difficult part of the job. But it's so rewarding when you get there in the end!

I wanted to work in an area that would utilise the skills of my degree (namely research), while in a sociable environment. I wasn't sure what I ultimately wanted to do after graduating, but applied for a role as a Researcher as I felt there could be a good fit. Nearly 10 years later, I'm still here!

Research is the biggest aspect, and I also have an opportunity to use my French occasionally too, as our company has offices in France

2017 - to date - Senior Researcher, Odgers Berndtson (UK's largest executive search firm - sitting in the Retail and Consumer Practice)

2016 - 2017 - Delivery Consultany, Korn Ferry Futurestep (world's largest executive search firm, US HQ)

2015 - 2016 - Research Associate, Korn Ferry Futurestep

2013 - 2015 - Executive Search Researcher, EJF Executive Search (start-up, boutique search firm focused on retail, fashion lifestyle and luxury)

2011 - 2013 - Research Associate / Senior Research Associate, Exley Hervey Executive Search (boutique search firm focused on retail, fashion and luxury)

2010 - 2011 - Researcher, Directorbank Group

My role here could take a couple of different routes - I could continue my progression either within research at a more senior level, or I could move into a fee-earner role. Many companies are now also building out their in-house recruitment / resourcing functions, and it's an option to move client-side at some point

Not many people are familiar with the world of executive search.