A career on the fast track after appointment in local business

Graduate Laura Hanson is satisfying both of her passions ñ marketing and cars ñ with her new role at Coventry-based Sigma QC, thanks to thefutureworks. The 21 year old, who has always been fascinated with motors, is now working in Public Relations and Business Development at the supply chain management company for the automotive industry. Laura was appointed only a few days after registering with thefutureworks, Coventry Universityís commercial recruitment agency.

After graduating from the University of Gloucestershire with a marketing management and psychology degree in June, Laura, who lives in Southam, spent almost a month searching for a job without any luck. Then by chance she saw an advert on the Internet for graduate opportunities with thefutureworks. ìOnce I realized that I didnít need a connection to Coventry University to use the agency, I registered, and within a matter of days I got a call about the opportunity at Sigma QC,î Laura said. ìThefutureworks team are really friendly and they made a big effort to get to know me so they could make sure the position was right for me ñ and it is. I always wanted a demanding role where I could use my knowledge and I feel Iíve learnt more over the last few weeks than during my whole time studying.î

At Sigma QC, which helps car companies cut costs and improve quality in manufacturing processes, the new recruit spends her days preparing marketing materials and working closely with the PR department to manage the companyís image ñ and reports directly to the firmís Chief Executive Officer. ìI always knew I wanted to work in the automotive industry after inheriting the passion from my dad, so this job is perfect,î Laura explained. ìItís an exciting fast-paced environment where I feel I could fulfill my potential ñ the best start to my career I could have hoped for.î

Michelle Craig is Recruitment Manager at Sigma QC, which has offices in Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Germany, Spain and the USA. She is impressed with Lauraís work and believes that thefutureworksí effort to understand the company and its culture was key in ensuring they found the perfect candidate. ìAs well as establishing the attributes and skills that the role required, they also considered the environment and what types of personalities would fit in best,î Michelle said. ìAlso, the fast response I received from thefutureworks was invaluable because we needed someone quickly ñ within days I had a number of CVs and was arranging interviews. I will definitely use thefutureworks again if the need arises because I know I will get high-calibre candidates with good commercial awareness, which is hard to find.î

Thefutureworks is run by staff from Coventry University Enterprises ñ the Universityís commercial arm ñ and has placed more than 500 people in work. Their consultants do not receive commission and any surplus revenue gets directed back into the University. For more information about thefutureworks please visit www.thefutureworks.org.uk or contact Jenny Haycock on 024 7679 5273/email j.haycock@cad.coventry.ac.uk.