Training Academy Graduate Profile: Anastasia Duncanson

MA Law

BA English Literature, 2:1

Joined Sagar Wright in March 2010

“Tell us a little about yourself?”
I am originally from Southport but I’ve been based in Yorkshire since 2004. I graduated from the University of Sheffield, and had a great time, especially with the Hip Hop Dance Society, which I have looked to continue with since moving to Leeds. I now enjoy spending my weekends visiting friends up and down the country, and have even managed the odd trip abroad with the guys from work, most recently to Amsterdam. Our next venture is a luxury ski trip – and I can see many more trips appearing in the diary after that!

“Why did you choose the headhunting profession over all others as your career choice?”
I had originally considered a career in law whilst at University. I went so far as attending various assessment days and visiting many law firms and events, but it soon became clear that the ‘fit’ wasn’t quite right.  I enjoyed the intellectual study of law, but found that no matter how much potential employers tried to engender a ‘fun’ atmosphere, for me it still didn’t provide the right balance of the “work hard – play hard” ethic that I live by.  When I first looked into headhunting I was drawn to the commerciality of the business – the way that successful headhunters have not only perfected the profession itself, but also make it their priority to know their clients’ business, and can therefore have a constructive impact on the way clients achieve their goals.  I was also strongly attracted to the thrill associated with the job, in particular, by headhunters’ successes and how they are rewarded for their hard work by massive monetary bonuses, immense job satisfaction and continual skill development.

 “What’s your favourite part of the job?”
My favourite aspect of the job is the continual learning. I am constantly striving to be better, and I love the fact that there are always areas in my own ability that I can improve and develop. The first time I independently closed a deal, for instance, gave me a real taste for success, and this feeling has been my driving force ever since. I love the independence of the profession – the fact that you effectively run your own business and control your own earnings. Having said that, I think as a firm we are unique, because we house real leaders in the profession, who genuinely welcome your questions and are always willing to pass on their industry knowledge and experience for the benefit of your own career progression and personal success.

“What skills have you developed at Sagar Wright?”
Since working at Sagar Wright I have had a complete overhaul of my own personal skill-set. Having studied English Literature and Law I felt that I had a pretty solid grounding in communication techniques, for instance. My research skills have been stretched. I never knew I could be so efficient with my time, and I have thoroughly enjoyed developing the ‘fine art’ of negotiating! For the first time in my life I also understand the meaning of Commercial Awareness – applying common sense to business scenarios, which, having worked for Sagar Wright for almost a year now comes naturally to me.

“What are you most proud of at Sagar Wright?”
I would say I am most proud of my personal progression since joining the company. Since day one I was given expert training, and was eager to get started on the job as soon as possible. Having been given such a great opportunity to join this fantastic company I motivate myself to do well. The intensive training coupled with my own hard work has resulted in me surpassing my personal targets as a trainee, and has set me up with advanced skills for my future career as a Consultant and Senior Consultant. I could not have achieved my personal success without the continual support of everybody in the office though. The team here spend an unparalleled amount of time training, advising, supporting and helping every trainee that is taken on. In a nutshell, I think I am most proud of the fact that everybody here is incredibly driven to achieve both their own personal successes, and also to strive to do well as a firm.

“What’s the best aspect of working at Sagar Wright?”
I can truly say that my colleagues here form the majority of my circle of friends in Leeds. Throughout the interview process I felt that I had struck a great rapport with everybody – from Consultants up to the Managing Director. Everyone is both professional yet incredibly down-to-earth, and certainly ‘up for a laugh’. I genuinely enjoy coming to work. I laugh every day with (and sometimes at!) each of my colleagues, and am astonished to this day how we maintain an extremely productive and professional environment whilst genuinely having a great time at work. It helps, of course, when your boss takes you out on surprise days out, most recently in the name of combating ‘January blues’ via Go-Karting for the afternoon! Overall I feel incredibly lucky to work amongst such ambitious individuals who share the same attitude for success, and fun!

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