Why I Made the Move Into Recruitment at VMA GROUP
After graduating from the University of Sussex with a Sociology degree, I found myself at a crossroads. I had a vague interest in media and a personal passion for health, but no clear direction. My love for women’s magazines led me to a role at Pegasus PR, where I indulged in reading every women’s magazine on the market while working with clients ranging from health supplements to beauty products and medical devices.
Transitioning to the Charity Sector
After several years in PR, I decided to apply my skills in the charity sector and joined Breast Cancer Care in London. This role allowed me to use my media relations expertise to promote fundraising products and engage with journalists, while also sharing the inspiring stories of women battling cancer. However, after a couple of years, I realized there was no room for advancement, prompting me to explore new opportunities.
It was during this time that I encountered recruitment agencies for the first time. I quickly learned to distinguish between those that genuinely understood my needs and those that merely sent out generic job descriptions. VMA GROUP stood out as one of the good ones, helping me secure a managerial position at another breast cancer charity. Unfortunately, after two years, I was made redundant while on maternity leave, leaving me in a challenging situation.
Discovering Recruitment at VMA GROUP
Once again, I turned to LinkedIn with VMA GROUP, where a consultant found me a flexible interim role that eventually became permanent. Despite my waning interest in media relations, I was hesitant to change careers due to financial constraints. It was then that VMA GROUP approached me about a potential move into recruitment.
After meeting with other consultants who had successfully transitioned, I decided to take the plunge. This new challenge allowed me to leverage my PR knowledge and contacts while offering more flexibility for childcare responsibilities. My positive experience as a candidate at VMA GROUP gave me the confidence to make this career change.
Thriving in Recruitment
Four years into my role at VMA GROUP, I take great pride in seeing my candidates advance in their careers, often becoming clients themselves. While there are challenges, such as delivering disappointing news to candidates, the positives far outweigh the negatives. The role keeps me busy and allows me to meet people from various sectors, which is fascinating.
For anyone considering a change in direction, I highly recommend speaking with VMA GROUP about potential opportunities. VMA GROUP is always on the lookout for exceptional and ambitious individuals. If you’re interested in working with us, please contact us for more information.
