Joined in: 2016
Job title: Support Team Manager
Lewis is the Support Team Manager for our OpenAccounts team. When he's not having a marathon of the cycling or Netflix variety, he's talking to us about his career and his move from Ashford to our Mailbox office.
Hi, I’m Lewis. I am 22 years old, originally from Ashford in Kent but currently living in Birmingham. I am currently a Support Team Manager for one of our financial management software products called OpenAccounts. In my spare time I stay active as much as possible and love to run and cycle with the occasional Netflix marathon whenever I get hooked on a series.
Can you tell us a little bit about your background and journey to Advanced?
I left school after my levels at 18 and went hunting for a job straight away. A family contact who was in recruitment told me about this company who were “crazy about internal mobility” which sounded great. And they were right! I had part time jobs in retail sales while I was still at school, but this was my first full time role.
What is the best career decision you have ever made?
The best career decision I made was relocating from Kent up to Birmingham with Advanced. The exposure I have working in the Mailbox is incredible and I have been able to build strong connections right across the business at all levels. I’ve also made some lifelong friends here and Birmingham is a great place to live and work.
What makes a career at Advanced unique?
I think the culture is unique – we are all genuinely interested in trying to improve, and people here really want to do their best for our customers. I also find that with that drive to improve, there’s an incredible amount of room to innovate in a role. If you have a bright idea you can take it to the senior team, and they’ll work it through with you.
How do you keep learning and developing yourself in your own role?
Advanced offers some great learning and development, but I think the best learning comes from experience, so I just go and do it. I keep putting myself out there and I say yes to as much as possible. I don’t wait for opportunities either and try to create my own projects and personal development.
The more you put into your work at Advanced, the more you’ll get out of it. If you make an impact, you can expect to be rewarded. Be aware of and build your personal brand from day one, and it will carry you up.