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“I graduated with a degree in economics back in 2009, which was a tricky time to find work, so I was really pleased to get a temporary job in the Sales Ledger Team at the Watches of Switzerland Group in 2010.

It was my first proper job and a great introduction to working in finance, as I moved around and got exposed to different roles. I was only a temporary for a few months before I became full-time. I eventually applied for a job in the Management Accounts team – they were only looking for qualified accountants at the time, but I’d worked hard and they took me on. The Watches of Switzerland Group then supported me through my studies for the industry-recognised CIMA accountancy qualification, which I completed in 2017, and has been a really important step in my career. ”

“I joined the Watches of Switzerland Group as an Admin Assistant on the Luxury Brands and Jewellery Essentials Team in 2018, after graduating with a degree in fashion design.

It was a great introduction, but I quickly realised that I wanted to get more involved in the creative side of product development – working with the suppliers on jewellery design and on trends, which led to me working on categories across the jewellery department and the Watches of Switzerland Group fascias. First, I was an Assistant Buyer, then a Senior Assistant Buyer, then a Junior Buyer, and now I’m a Buyer, mainly working on Mappin & Webb jewellery. ”

“It was 2018, I’d just finished sixth form but wasn’t sure what to do next, so I came to the Watches of Switzerland Group for work experience, and it all went from there!

The IT team needed a bit of help, so at first I was put on a short temporary contract, just to finish the project I was working on. After that, they offered me an IT Apprenticeship.

I could have gone to university – but I thought, why go to university when I can earn money and learn at the same time? It seemed like the right thing to do for me, and it definitely has proved to be the right choice.”

“I started my career with the Watches of Switzerland Group working in Goldsmiths Showrooms in 2012. My son was only two years old at the time, so I went into a part-time sales role. I loved working in the Showroom and, as soon as I was able to, I increased the hours I could work. I progressed from working as a Sales Associate to Supervisor, Assistant Manager and then Deputy Manager of the Showroom. I worked in the Showroom for eight years in total, before making the move to Support Services as Retail Operations Assistant Programme Manager, and now Service Delivery Manager in the Property Team.

It was important to me to go back to work after having my son, and I knew I wanted to work my way up to a Manager role. I had amazing coaching and support from my Manager at the time, took part in various training programmes offered by the business and took every opportunity to progress. I think one of the great things about the Watches of Switzerland Group is that they really invest in their people and encourage development and progression within the company.

The move to my current role was an exciting one, and I now manage the Service Delivery Team, who play a key role in the delivery of new and refitted luxury Showrooms and enhancements.

Coming from the Showrooms has been so helpful, and my experience is pulled on each day. The Service Delivery team supports and guides the retail colleagues from the start to the very end of their Showroom’s project and manages the programmes internally to ensure the colleagues are able to continue with their daily roles and focus on clients. I am also lucky enough to be able to give input into how the Showroom works operationally for the colleagues, and feedback on the back-of-house areas, ensuring the space works for the team and is a pleasure to be in. We want our teams to be happy and comfortable in their environment, so they can focus on creating Xenia moments for our clients.

The best part of my job is when that 18-month to two-year project is completed and we hand over the team’s new Showroom, and you see everyone’s faces as they walk into the Showroom and back of house – I’ve seen people cry! Making these Showrooms into beautiful spaces is as much about the team’s welfare as it is about the clients, and those reactions really are what makes my job worth it.”