Icenian Interview – Lauren M

Lauren M was at Langley between 2007 and 2014, when she left with A-Levels in Design Technology, Art 3D and ICT. Here, we find out about Lauren’s career after Langley and the initiative she’s put into place at work to tackle issues raised by the current pandemic.

Did you know what career you wanted to follow when you were at school?

No but I knew I wanted to do something Design related.

Have the extra activities you took part in have been useful within your career and given you transferable skills?

Yes. I went on a school ski trip, and we also went to Kenya. I took part in a lot of Design Technology based activities and completed D of E Gold.

How did your career begin?

At Nottingham Trent University I studied Product Design BA and, while I was there, I did a year-long placement at McDonald’s Global Head office as a training and communicating coordinator. I organised training events for the whole of Europe, including dinners and running events for more than 150 people. I then worked at Enterprise Rent a Car for more than a year as a Management Trainee.

Where are you now in your career and what have been the highlights?

I am currently a Trainee Assistant Site Manager at Taylor Wimpey. I am part of the team that runs a site in which 328 homes are being built. My role includes organising trades, materials and monitoring health and safety on site. At any one time, we have around 80 people on site and 30-40 plots being built, completing one build a week.

One of my recent highlights has been designing a new signing in system in light of COVID-19. Previously we used a pen and paper, which everyone had to use daily, but I created a website linked to a QR Code, allowing everyone to sign in without any contact. This is now being rolled out across all Taylor Wimpey sites.

Is there any advice you would like to give to students currently considering their career choices?

I would suggest doing something you enjoy … perhaps it’s being outside, working with computers, being social or organised, or physical work. When looking for a job don’t just look at the job title but look at what you will be doing. When I applied for my role at Taylor Wimpey, I also applied for wedding planner jobs. Two very different industries but they both have the same type of role. I also wouldn’t be afraid of working in an industry where you think you wouldn’t fit in. I’m quite a quiet person and I work in a male dominated loud workplace.

Any regrets?
None!