Lauren Allison
Head of Communities & Engagement at Genesis Homes
Key Details:
| Current industry | Construction |
|---|---|
| School attended | Ullswater Community College |
| College/training attended | Ullswater Sixth Form |
| Year completed GCSEs | 2011 |
| Favourite lessons at school | English, Drama and Philosophy & Ethics |
Q&A
— Give a short overview of your career journey after school
I studied A-Levels at Ullswater Sixth Form. I got into Chester University to study Events Management and deferred my place for a year to go travelling. Once I returned, I decided not to go to University and instead went straight into employment as a Wedding & Events Co-ordinator. This led me to work in Support and Marketing at Dodd & Co Accountants where I was grateful to receive support to study with The Chartered Institute of Marketing alongside my full-time job. I later became a Marketing Executive at both Story Homes and Genesis Homes.
— What do you love about your job?
I'm very proud of my role, it has such a meaningful impact for the communities in the areas where we build homes. I love how varied it is, from running events to organising school visits and helping design the community spaces on our developments, no day is the same!
— What piece of advice would you give to young people about finding their best next step?
It's tough deciding what step to take next but just make a decision and go for it – you can always change it or pivot! When I was 16 there's no way I imagined I'd end up being a Head of Communities & Engagement in my 30s. Now I realise that everything I did helped me be ready for this position.
— What three essential skills do you think have helped you to be successful in your job?
Speaking, Creativity, Staying Positive.
— What advice would you give to someone considering working in your industry?
When I was younger I wouldn't have said this is the industry I wanted to work in, probably being slightly intimidated by the idea of it being male-dominated, but it's really not. There are lots of strong female leaders in our business and across housebuilding in general.
— What is the best piece of advice you have been given that has helped you on your career journey?
Put yourself out there and get involved in things! Also, ask the silly questions - you don't know what you don't know. We learn by asking! I still remind myself of that most days.