I have learnt more in the last couple of years at iO1 than I feel I did in my entire time at school/college. Those earlier years in life teach you what you need to know to pass that specific exam or piece of coursework…work teaches you so much more than that – it teaches you real life.
I started at iO1 back in 2013, I came straight from college and honestly had no idea what I wanted to do with myself – along with everyone else my age! Most of my friends decided to take the path into uni – however, I never felt this was right for me. I didn’t know what I wanted to study and I couldn’t justify spending that amount of money to be out partying every night!
I had done a weeks work experience with iO1 and this helped me get my foot in the door 5 months later. I joined iO1 and started out in a sales role, I didn’t know if it was right for me either. It always scared me how everyone around me seemed to know exactly who and where they wanted to be and I was still so confused by everything – but I truly believe that everything we do and everyone we meet is put in our path for a purpose.
After 7 months I had decided sales wasn’t quite right for me, I felt I could offer so much more placed in a different role. Instead of being told to leave at this point, I was given the chance to progress my learning and development in a project management role – It’s not every day you get offered opportunities like this.
So a year on, I am still working for iO1 as a PM and loving every minute (well almost every minute!) and can’t believe how far iO1, and now Invotra, has pushed me to get to where I am today. I am so appreciative that the company was supportive in my change, believing in me every step of the way.
It was never going to be an easy or simple path to take (especially watching all my friends leave me and head off to uni!). There is always going to be ups and downs, but you have to work hard for what you want because it won’t come to you without a fight.
Emily
