Alumni Profiles
Quest alumni go on to a variety of careers and experiences. Have a look at what some of our graduates remember about their time at Quest and what they have gone on to do after completing their training programmes.
Courtney Brown
The Business PA Programme
After a gruelling decision between getting started in the Business world or studying at University, I decided that my mind was set upon building my future in the corporate environment. I wanted to take a business training course, not only make myself diverse from other sixth form/college leavers, but to extend my knowledge and further my skills to an executive level.
Following all my research on short courses I stumbled across Quest College. It seemed like the perfect place for me to build on my skills. I decided to embark on the The Business PA Programme, which was the best choice I could have made to get my career underway. Not only did I make some amazing friends that I will continue to carry through life, but I was fully prepared to begin my career with confidence. I found lessons such as touch typing, business documentation, shorthand and the essential finance lesson to have proved the most accommodating.
When my time was coming to an end at Quest we had lots of support in putting together our own Curriculum Vitae's and finding agencies and jobs to apply for. During this time we were placed in two week work placements in companies that met the type of field you were interested in. Some people established that they were not so keen on the environment they thought, and for some it opened their eyes to further options that they did not know were available.
I was placed at a large, well-known company based in the city which only confirmed my choice of building my career in the office environment. After my work experience, I applied for a permanent role at this company, which I was offered, however since applying for other roles I kept my options open until I had received the feedback from all roles applied for.
After receipt of all feedback I accepted the job offer that stood out the most to me and that I felt would suit me most. I have now been in the company just over a year as a Team Assistant and within this time I have been promoted to a new job role in Investor Relations within the company and opportunities just keep opening.
Quest was always an enjoyable experience for me with encouraging teachers and the great friends I made along the way, some of which I am still very close with and planning next year's girls holiday! A nice, well-deserved break from work for all!
Freddy Greenish
The Business Apprentice Programme, 2010
Once you completed your training programme at Quest, what were your next steps?
I went straight into a 2 week internship at Ingenious Media working in the VCT team. Following my internship they offered me a full time role within the Investments Division working in the sales team.
What was a highlight of your time at Quest?
I had lots of great highlights during my time at Quest but one that has stuck would have been Rory Henderson's face after we beat them during the City Trader day!!
What advice did you receive at Quest that has stuck with you?
The big thing that I learnt, probably even more so now than while I was at Quest, was that everything you learn during your time at Quest will come in use in every aspect of your role. I would have to say that the I.T training has come in the most use for me, as I spend a lot of my day on Excel.
Do you keep in touch with many people you met at Quest?
I do yes . I keep in contact with a number of the people that I met during my time at Quest and we try to arrange dinners regularly to meet up and see how everyone is getting on with their different jobs.
What are your plans for the future/career goals?
I am very happy here at the moment and am extremely keen to continue my development here at Ingenious Media and carry on the good progress that I have made so far.
Georgina Farrier
The Professional Diploma Programme, 2008
At the end of her course, Georgie went on a two week work placement at KPMG, and after one week she was offered a permanent role. She started as a team secretary to a large team of managers and below, completing ad hoc duties as well as timesheets and expenses. Georgie was promoted last year and now works as a PA to the Head of Europe, Africa and the Middle East Valuation Services.
What did you learn at Quest that you have taken with you into the workplace?
Quest taught me a lot about working in an office, from how to dress and act, to computer skills and exams in Text Processing, Leadership and Management, Marketing and Business English.
Do you keep in touch with many people you met at Quest?
Yes two of my best friends Sophie Cannon and Lucy Hall are girls I met at college; we keep in touch and catch up as often as possible.
What are your plans for the future/career goals?
I would like to move up the company and become a Board Level PA as well as expanding my skills and knowledge of the company and role.
Jemma Gueno
The Graduate Training Programme, 2011
Jemma completed the Graduate Training Programme in July 2011 and started a role immediately after at Bain and Gray, a boutique recruitment consultancy in the West End. She got the Office Administrator role after registering at the company who were very keen to recruit her for themselves! Outside of work, Gemma enjoys visiting friends and family in far flung places, cycling and going out for dinner.
Once you completed your training programme at Quest, what were your next steps?
After I completed the course I spent two days moving house and then started work on Monday – no rest for the wicked! I would have loved to go on holiday but I had an offer too good to refuse.
What was a highlight of your time at Quest?
My favourite thing about my time at Quest was learning lots of new skills. Call me a geek, but I loved every day. I especially enjoyed Jennie's careers lesson; as I had no idea what I wanted to do it was great to know that I did have lots of options.
What advice did you receive at Quest that has stuck with you?
Give everything a go and don't be afraid to make a mistake, as you will always learn from them.
Do you keep in touch with many people you met at Quest?
I still keep in contact with quite a few of my classmates and have even moved in with one of them. I have definitely made friends for life from Quest and intend to keep in close contact with them.
What are your plans for the future/career goals?
My career aspirations change on a monthly basis and have done for a few years now. At the moment, I hope to go into recruitment as I love the atmosphere here and would love to work my way up to be a consultant.
Larisa Hammond
The Graduate Training Programme, 2010
After completing the 12 Week Graduate Course, Larisa accepted a permanent role at NewSmith Capital Partners, an investment company in Mayfair. Since starting her job as the receptionist and office coordinator, Larisa has gained responsibility and now assists several partners within the company. When she is not in the office, Larisa enjoys travelling, socialising, singing and jogging.
Once you completed your training programme at Quest, what were your next steps?
Immediately after my course, I concentrated on finding a job. I signed up with many recruitment agencies and went to numerous interviews. At the same time, I temped as an office assistant to pay my rent. Luckily, I got my job offer about three weeks after I left Quest.
What was a highlight of your time at Quest?
My favourite thing about Quest was the career support offered and Jennie's brilliant interview technique training. I would never have got through half the interviews I had without it! I also enjoyed learning the practical skills, like touch typing, as I felt it was something I would always use. Of course meeting lots of lovely people was also a highlight!
What advice did you receive at Quest that has stuck with you?
Don't panic if you are not successful after your first couple of interviews, and that the right job will come along in the end as long as you are determined and don't give up!
Do you keep in touch with many people you met at Quest?
I am in touch with a few girls from my course and Georgina in particular. We work close to each other and meet for lunch most weeks.
What are your plans for the future/career goals?
I am hoping in the near future to move to a team assistant position within my company. In the future I would love to work as a PA to a senior director in a more creative environment.
Lucy Sandall
The Business PA Programme, 2010
Lucy graduated from the Business PA Programme in July last year and was awarded College Leaver 2010. Shortly after, she accepted a permanent role at Hermès GB in their Head Office and has been working as the Receptionist and Administrative Assistant for the past year. Lucy enjoys travelling, cooking, shopping and watching films in her spare time.
Once you completed your training programme at Quest, what were your next steps?
When I completed my course at Quest I went on holiday for two weeks to relax and then started job hunting when I returned. While job hunting I did a few days temping to keep me busy.
What was a highlight of your time at Quest?
Some of the highlights of my time at Quest were getting to meet so many lovely people and learning so many new skills.
What did you learn at Quest that you have taken with you into the workplace?
I learnt to always try to use my own initiative and don't always wait for others to ask.
What are your plans for the future/career goals?
My goals for the future are to move onto a higher position with more responsibility in a Team Assistant or Personal Assistant role, and to continue to learn new skills and further develop the ones I already have.