Training Academy Graduate Profile: Leanne Hill

BA (Hons) Management Studies 1st Class

Joined Sagar Wright in May 2007

“Tell us a little about yourself?”
I grew up in Leicestershire, and after moving to Yorkshire to complete my A Levels and degree I decided to stay in the area as I much prefer being an ‘honorary northerner’!  During my degree I worked in the retail industry, and knew I had an excellent managerial role, but I felt that the industry couldn’t offer me what I was looking for in terms of progression, reward and intellectual stimulation – hence why you now find me in the headhunting profession! I genuinely don’t think people grow up thinking “I want to be a headhunter” but now I’m in the industry it has been a perfect match for what I was looking for, and also utilises my sales skills to their best advantage. I really haven’t looked back since!

I always used to be sporty, so outside of the office I try and keep this up by getting to the gym to partake in Boxercise and BodyPump on a regular basis. A few other people from the office are members of the same gym so it’s  a great way to unwind and have a laugh at the same time.

“Why did you choose the headhunting profession over all others as your career choice?”
It was important for me to find a profession that could genuinely offer me challenges and the potential for high earnings – I didn’t want a ‘run of the mill’ graduate job. Ideally, I wanted to earn very well in a professional environment and also, develop my skills and academic intellect. After researching Sagar Wright, I knew it was a cash rich organisation that had consistently grown year on year with a proven graduate training programme. After my first interview, I knew it was the job for me, and knew they would offer unrivalled commitment to my success if I made it through. I’m so glad that they offered me a graduate traineeship. I really love what I do and I’m delighted that I’ve personally been able to reap the rewards.

“What’s the best aspect of working at Sagar Wright?”
There are so many to mention, but at the top of the list would have to be the level of support from every single person, which is so reassuring in your trainee year. The managers and senior consultants are all industry experts in their specialisation and always willing to lend a hand and offer advice. Personal support is also highly visible – there’s always someone around to get advice from, be that in the office or in the pub! The fact that everybody is so approachable means that we all get on very well – the office is certainly lively and filled with vibrant banter.

“What’s your favourite part of the job?”
The adrenaline rush! It’s there throughout every placement from start to finish. Putting a fee on the Fee Board is the icing on the cake, but throughout the whole process I’m advising and influencing a range of managers and directors of some of the world’s biggest and best consultancies. That gives me an incredible ‘buzz’ and is part of every single day at Sagar Wright. These people listen to me because I’m an expert headhunter and they respect my opinion as such.

“What skills have you developed at Sagar Wright?”
The easy answer is everything! I thought I had a good and broad range of skills before I joined, but they’re nothing to the skills that I possess now. It’s not just about learning new skills though. A major part of my development has been refining the ‘raw talent’ that got me the job in the first place. Developing my negotiation and persuasion techniques has been fantastic and these I see as great ‘life skills’ – knowing that I can use these throughout my personal life means it is very difficult for people to win an argument against me!

“What are you most proud of at Sagar Wright?”
Finishing as ‘top biller’ in my first year as a Consultant was pretty special, and at the same time I achieved promotion to Senior consultant after only 8 months of being a Consultant. I worked incredibly hard to get these achievements and it makes me proud to say I am testament to the success of the Sagar Wright training to produce the best in the industry, and show that progression opportunities are there for all!

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