Graduate Trainee in Finance
“I graduated in 2010 with a degree in Business. I knew that I wanted to be an accountant in a customer-facing business and felt that a career in retail would enable me to do this. Having grown up in Retford, 15 minutes away from Wilkinsons head office, I knew a bit about the company and their involvement in the local community so when I heard they had introduced a graduate scheme I decided to apply.
As part of the selection process, applicants were invited up to head office to get a feel for the place, and as soon as I walked through the door I felt welcome. We were invited to put questions to a panel including the CEO, one of the family directors and some of the most senior management team. Pride and passion were evident in every person we spoke to on that day and I knew then that this was the type of company I wanted to work for.
After a week-long induction at head office we began our retail placement working out in stores in the build up to Christmas, our most important trading period. I loved getting out there, meeting our customers and working in a fast-paced environment where no two days are ever the same.
I am now based at head office in management accounts and studying for a CIMA qualification, but I have contact with our stores every day. I work in finance but we are a retail company – you have to love retail to work here!”
