5 minute read
Careers Life at Rolls-Royce with our Apprentice of the Year; Agony Aunt Karen Young’s sage advice; and our book review
Ask PQ’s agony aunt Karen Young when you need expert advice. Email your dilemma to graham@pqmagazine.com, and he will pass on the best ones to Karen
THE QUESTION I’ve not been happy in my job since before the pandemic, but was hesitant to move last year. Is now a good time to start looking?
KAREN’S RESPONSE
Lots of professionals are on the lookout for new opportunities as employers hiring plans are on the up. In our recent survey, which closed at the beginning of June, 63% of employers tell us they are hiring, increasing from 56% in February and 43% in July last year.
In essence, now is a good time to consider moving, as employers are reporting that they are struggling with skills shortages in areas including finance. Employers are looking for a mix of specialist technical skills, alongside soft skills such as good communication, adaptability, and problem-solving skills.
Before you get started on your job search, make sure you take time to update your CV and think about what you want from a new employer. If a promotion is your top priority for example, would you compromise more on location?
Next, have a look on the finance job boards to see what kind of vacancies are being advertised and by what employers. Consider speaking with a recruitment specialist so they can talk you through what’s going on in the market – who’s hiring and where your skills could be a good fit.
Lastly – best of luck with your search!
• Karen Young is a director at Hays. She is passionate about helping people to find the right job, and companies to find the right person
Haider Ali is a trainee management accountant at the car and engine manufacturer. He is currently three exams away from being CIMA qualified and is AAT qualified. He is our current Apprentice of the Year
What time does your alarm go
off? 7.30am. What is on your desk? Notebook, whiteboard, keyboard, mouse and stationery.
How long is your commute to that desk and is it better now?
It’s 30 seconds from my bed and 100%, although my commute to work was only about 15 minutes so can’t complain either way!
Do you have a favourite lunch?
Jacket potato with cheese and beans.
What can you see when you sit
at your desk? My laptop raised on a stack of textbooks and Post-it notes with all my to-do list items.
What are your favourite
websites? It would have to be Amazon for those speedy nextday purchases. Such a life saver!
How many hours a week do you
spend in online meetings? I’d say 20-25 hours. How do you relax? I love making art, reading books, watching Netflix series, listening to podcasts and going for walks.
What is your favourite tipple?
Apple & Raspberry J2O or Fanta Fruit Twist.
What’s your favourite TV show?
Prison Break, White Collar and How To Get Away With Murder.
What is the best film you have
watched recently?A documentary film on Netflix called Coded Bias. Summer or winter? Winter – hoodies over t-shirts any day! Pubs or clubs? I do miss Friday pub lunches with my work team when I was in the office. Do you have a hero? My Mum. She’s sacrificed a lot for me to be able to be where I am today and is a huge source of motivation.
What is the first thing you are going to do when lockdown is
over? Have a massive get together with my friends and family.
If you had a time machine where
would you go? Back to 2009 to buy Bitcoin – I’d be rolling in it!
In brief
Pap NQ lawyers cashing in
US law firms with London offices have announced they will be paying their newly qualified lawyers in the City a cool £153,000. Top of the salary league is the Houston-based firm Vinson & Elkins, which has a starting salary of £153,400. Another US firm, Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, announced a year-on-year rise of £11,000 for its newly qualifieds, to £146,000. The Institute of Student Employers said City lawyers were now being paid even more than investment bankers. UK law firms such as Allen & Overy, Clifford Chance and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer all pay their NQs £100,000. Senior industry figures said that UK firms take on more trainees and spend thousands of pounds subsidising vocational courses only for them to be poached by US rivals once they are qualified.
Pap Apple won’t bend
A staff blacklash has not prevented Apple from insisting its staff get back to the office for three days a week. Apple told staff in June that they would be expected to work from the office on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. However, 80 staff wrote a letter directly to CEO Tim Cook calling on him to allow fully flexible working. The letter said: “Many of us feel we have to choose between either a combination of our families, our wellbeing and being empowered to do our best work, or being part of Apple.” Apple said that it believes ‘in-person’ staff collaboration is essential for its culture and future.
Pap What no PA?
In the latest shake-up at Big 4 firm Deloitte more than a quarter of its secretarial staff could be made redundant, as senior members of staff take on more of their own administration. Over 500 executive jobs are at risk, according to reports in The Sunday Telegraph. It is believed that, ultimately, just 150 roles will disappear.
