What do you do at MRG?
I am a Delivery Consultant for the Independent Schools and wider Higher Education team, supporting them with the administrative process as well as candidate liaison and database management.
What are you most proud about that you have achieved in your career to date?
In my most recent role, I’d say I’m most proud of the alumni events that I ran, in particular the last alumni dinner. The number of attendees was one of the highest to date, which was no mean feat post-covid, but more importantly the number of female attendees and under 30 attendees were both the highest ever. This was great confirmation that the work and marketing activities to re-engage with these target audiences had paid off.
As a general career point, I am proud that I have shown integrity and resilience in every role I’ve undertaken whilst also acknowledging when an opportunity is no longer right for me. I’ve been brave enough to take the leap and I’m glad I did as it has led me to this point and MRG.
How did you get into recruitment, and why?
I previously worked at an Independent School in the Operational Staff body and so when the opportunity came through, I was excited that the role would allow me to apply what I’ve learnt and experienced within the sector whilst developing new skills. The most important aspect for me is to help support my new team and add value however I can.
What energises you about working in this sector?
There’s a lot of variety in the role which I thrive on, and the sector is fast paced. No two days, job roles or clients are ever the same, so I am enjoying getting stuck in and up to speed as quickly as possible.
What’s one thing that most people don’t know about you?
Most people wouldn’t know that I used to speak with a Scottish accent until the age of 7. My mum is Scottish and so when I learned to speak, it was from her. Much to her dismay, I lost my accent halfway through primary school, but when I visit family there, the twang does return!
What’s the best advice anyone has ever given you?
I’d say the best bit of advice I’ve ever been given is this quote – ‘Comparison is the thief of joy’. It may sound odd but when you compare yourself to others, you will always find something they can do better than you and be left feeling disappointed. It’s often human nature to focus on what we can’t do instead of what we can, so by remembering this quote I’ve been able to remind myself to stick in my own lane and focus on my own path.
What three words would your colleagues use to describe you?
I would like to think that my colleagues would use helpful, reliable, and approachable, but I’m sure there would also be a comment about being chatty, oversharing and readily giggling.
And finally, who would play you in the movie about your life?
This is a difficult one and I’ve never been asked this before! I’d say Jennifer Lawrence and as much as I’d love to say because we look so alike, that’s absolutely not true. I’d pick her because she is genuine – the way she still fangirls when meeting celebrities is exactly how I’d be, she’s just as clumsy as I am, she’s unfiltered with her words (a heads up for my colleagues there!) and she’s able to laugh at herself.
Get in touch with Jenni Barrett for an informal chat about how she can help you and your recruitment needs.