You have previously worked in a Big 4. How did the skills acquired in this experience helped you in your career recruiting for finance?

It was a big decision for me, but I knew that my previous experience would help me. It was expected that the previous knowledge I got in other companies would make my current job easier and it did.

It made my business partners trust me and I think the audit and recruitment industries have some similar characteristics, even though they are completely different sectors.

In the audit sector, the quality of the service you provide to clients is as important as it is in the recruitment area.

As a consultant who has been representing my company in the market, I had to do my job in the best possible way to engage and retain our clients, ensuring that my industry know how, and service quality would make our business partners trust me.

Your background is very important for that, but that alone is not enough. You must presence a combination of knowledge, skills and diligence. And so I did. 

And why did you decide to make a career shift to recruitment?

It was a difficult decision for me, but I must say I have never regretted it.

First of all, I want to emphasize that I loved my job in Big4, but my career expectation was different. I did not want to sit on a chair for more than 12-hour reporting data. When I had my first interview with Michael Page, I thought this was the deal job for me. Meeting with clients and candidates meant I could connect with a lot of people while generating revenue.

Generating revenue was the key word for me. I wanted to be the person who creates business, not the person who prepares the financial reports. I also wanted a job where I can communicate and interact with. That was my motivation to change my career.

What surprised you the most in both the new career and in PageGroup?

When I was working in Audit, I thought that there was only one career option for me and that I would be auditing and reporting in front of a computer, compromising my social life, all my life. At Page, I was pleasantly surprised to see how people face work, placing a high value on their social lives while  keeping having many career opportunities.

What advice would you give to someone who would like to make such a career change and join PageGroup?

I think everyone should discover which path to walk. We cannot think of business life independently of our own lives. If a job allows us to do the things we love, success and happiness are inevitable. My advice is to get to know yourself prior to make a decision and then don’t be afraid to take risks.