From Grad to Game-Changer, My Journey at Vodafone

In my third year of college, while studying abroad in Newport, Rhode Island, I came across the Vodafone Graduate Programme. I hadn’t planned on doing a six-month placement, but the programme completely changed my mind. As a business student passionate about branding and marketing, it stood out as the perfect opportunity.

I was lucky enough to secure a place, and the experience was so valuable that it even led to me being shortlisted for an award back at college. From that point on, I knew I wanted to return to Vodafone and build on that foundation. What really appealed to me was the structure, two 9-month rotations that allowed me to explore different areas of the business and build a broad skillset early in my career.

A Culture That Lifts You Up

There’s something special about the culture at Vodafone. Everyone is approachable, even senior stakeholders, and from day one I was trusted with meaningful work. I never felt like “just a grad.” The support and collaboration here are genuine, and people are always willing to share their time and knowledge.

One of the most rewarding experiences was leading the “Bring Your Business to the Big Screen” campaign during my second rotation. My manager and team empowered me to take ownership, and that gave me a strong sense of purpose. With my parents running a small business, I felt a personal connection to the campaign. We selected four winners, one for each home test match, and got to share their stories across internal and social channels. Seeing their excitement and knowing I played a part in that was a real highlight.

Flexibility That Works for Me

Vodafone’s flexible working model is one of the things I love most. The combination of core and flexible hours means I can start early and finish early, which suits me perfectly. Remote work has also been a game-changer, I can fit in a gym class, meet friends, or get errands done during my lunch break. I haven’t used the Work from Abroad programme yet, but it’s definitely on my list.

Growing with Confidence

My current team has played a huge role in my growth. From the beginning, I felt supported and encouraged to take on more responsibility. During the 2024 November Series, I helped launch the “Bring Your Business to the Big Screen” campaign and supported 10 customer-facing events, from business breakfasts to premium matchday experiences. It was full-on, but I loved every minute of it. Being trusted with such exciting work so early on was something I’m really proud of.

I’ve also been lucky to have Caroline Hutchinson as a mentor. She’s incredibly patient and generous with her knowledge. We clicked straight away, which made it easy to ask questions and learn. I’m so grateful to have been kept on the team after my rotation, and I credit Caroline for much of that.

Looking Ahead

What excites me most about the future is the opportunity to shape how businesses experience the Vodafone brand. From our partnership with Enterprise Nation to our sponsorship of the IRFU, we’re creating experiences that resonate with customers. I love being part of a team that brings these ideas to life, through hospitality, industry events, thought-leadership breakfasts, and campaigns like “Bring Your Business to the Big Screen.”

What Drives Me

I’m motivated by the impact our work has on both our business customers and colleagues. Knowing that our campaigns help businesses grow and connect, while also strengthening relationships between Vodafone teams and customers, is incredibly rewarding. And of course, the people I work with, supportive, fun, and always pushing for better, inspire me to bring my best every day.