Hannah Murdoch - Cumbria Talent Force

Q&A

— Give a short overview of your career journey after school

When I left year 11 I studied Hairdressing at College but realised this wasn't something I wanted to do as a career. After college I worked as a cleaner and then I then worked in Hospitality, doing bar work and got the opportunity to run my own bar, aged 21. I learnt a lot of new skills but didn't want to continue working in Hospitality, I then moved into Retail. I have been with my current employer for nearly 7 years. I started as a Customer Assistant and then in my 4th year I was approached to be an Online Team Leader. The training I have done in my new role includes achieving my Personal License (alcohol sales license), Forklift Truck certificate (I can drive a Forklift truck!!) and signed off as a Manager in Charge (key holder and cash handler responsibilities). A typical working day for me is starting at 5am and finishing 2pm, doing staff rotas, ensuring online orders are processed in the right time frame, supporting/training new staff plus if needed I will work on the shop floor, on the tills and in the cafe. I am a Mum to 2 beautiful children aged 5 and 4, and my youngest has a diagnosis for Autistic Spectrum Disorder and Global Development Delay - he is non verbal. Myself and my partner have completed training to gain a better understanding of Autism. At the moment while my children are young I am pausing on taking Management promotion and will consider this in the future.

— What do you love about your job?

I love everything about my job. There is so much going on, every day is different with different challenges to deal with but I am really passionate of fulfilling my role and delivering outstanding customer service. I have had so many training opportunities since working at Morrisons and know that I have plenty of opportunities with them in the future, currently my priorities are my children and work has to fit in around my responsibilities.

— What piece of advice would you give to young people about finding their best next step?

Make the most of every opportunity you are given and never say never, there are so many possibilities out there, you never know what is around the corner. Don't be shy to try something different, it might be the making of you. I didn't like school and didn't have a clue what my future looked like but here I am now and life is what YOU want to make of it. Life is like an obstacle course and some jumps are bigger than others, don't let anything get in your way!

— What three essential skills do you think have helped you to be successful in your job?

Listening, Problem Solving, Teamwork.

— What advice would you give to someone considering working in your industry?

Don't rule out Retail until you have tried it. There are so many career opportunities and a wide range of job roles. There are numerous training courses you can do to help your personal development. You are part of a team which means you have each others support. There are also perks to working in Retail such as discount on family shopping, access to in-house Health & Wellbeing support, discount vouchers for other companies etc etc.

— What is the best piece of advice you have been given that has helped you on your career journey?

Accept constructive criticism because you can reflect on the feedback and do things better next time, this is really important when you are at school and in work. Nobody is perfect and we all have to learn by our mistakes and owning your mistakes can open up new opportunities.