On secondment in Lille
Amber Pickett joined Enterprise in 2018, working at Birmingham Airport as she wanted to use her language skills both in the UK and abroad.
“I had joined Enterprise because I wanted a graduate scheme with the opportunity to use my language skills. Working at the airport gave me an insight into Enterprise’s global footprint and an opportunity to speak French, Spanish and German.”
"I’m a really confident French speaker and I enjoy living in a different country. I had completed a French exchange visit as part of my A Levels and wondered if I could do something similar at Enterprise. I asked my mentor and with support from HR, a three-week placement was arranged in January 2019.”
Branch Manager Laura Domeikaite, who had moved to France not long before from U5. Amber was able to observe and take part in daily operations and realised that there is a lot of continuity in processes.
“I found I was able to communicate well and build relationships quickly with employees and customers. The time in Lille really helped to improve my industry vocabulary. I also found some areas to help the branch improve processes, for example asking for direct feedback at the end of rentals meant that the branch was closer to customers. We started to receive more specific feedback, which helped improve our SQi.”
Amber has been a champion for Enterprise Car Club and has led the way with sign-ups, attending roll-out days, marketing days and corporate events. This exposure has helped her overall understanding of business rental in the UK, and she was keen to understand the business rental programme in Europe.
“I attended a meeting with the BRSE for Lille and we discussed corporate sales targets and the opportunity for corporate sector growth in France.
“My experience in France was inspiring and challenging. It pushed me outside my comfort zone and encouraged me to aim high. I broadened my network and met absolutely incredible people.
Don’t be afraid to think the impossible as with Enterprise anything is possible. If you have a vision you can achieve it. Network and reach out to the people around you.
“Don’t be afraid to think the impossible as with Enterprise anything is possible. If you have a vision you can achieve it. Network and reach out to the people around you. Build a close relationship with your mentor to support and guide you.”
Operations said, “Mobility gives us a competitive edge over other candidates when it comes to career development. Being able to promote talented individuals from across the corporation helps drive performance on a larger scale and at a rapid rate.
“When I received a request from Amber for a short-term placement in our French operation the decision to accept her was an easy choice. Amber has reinforced her Enterprise CV with an experience working in another corporately-owned Group, practicing another language and getting to grips with a varied working culture and customer base. The French team benefited from the exchange of ideas and façon de faire (way of doing things) from a team mate trained in a more mature Group. It was a great experience for both parties.”
