Welcome back to Inside IFP, the series where I sit down with members of our team over a coffee and chat about their career journey so far at IFP. This week, we have Elliott who joined IFP last December as a Data Technician Apprentice, splitting his week between Finance and Compliance. Now, as he prepares to finish his apprenticeship he has moved into his new role as Finance and Data Assistant. Elliott shares what he’s learned during his first year, the opportunities he’s been given and what it’s really like starting your career at IFP.
You were offered the role of Finance & Data Assistant last month – congratulations! How are you feeling?
Buzzing! I sort of knew it was going to come at some point, but I didn’t expect to be before I finished my apprenticeship, so it’s good. It shows that what I’m doing is appreciated, which is really nice.
You’re set to finish your apprenticeship at the start of next year. How are you finding the studying and support?
I’ve got a full day to do all of my apprenticeship work at the moment, so on Wednesdays I always work from home doing that. I feel I’ve got a good amount of time to get everything done! In every meeting I’ve had with my apprenticeship trainer I’ve been told I’m ahead and doing well.
That’s great. You previously worked at a small office; what do you think of IFP in comparison?
It’s infinitely better in any way you can think of. It was in a fish bait factory, so it smells much better for a start! Just the fact that I can go somewhere after work without having to shower first makes such a difference.
Aside from the smell, how are you finding moving to a bigger office?
IFP is really organised and professional. There’s a lot of friendships and fun, but it’s a good balance. I like that there’s a plan for things, both in the company and my personal training plan.
It is definitely a very friendly place! I think sometimes starting somewhere with lots of friendships can feel a bit daunting. What was it like settling in for you?
I get what you mean, but I felt included from the get-go. I’m quite close with a few people here, like Jack and Lew, so I’d say I mingled quite well!
Did you have any expectations before coming to IFP?
I was expecting the dress code to be a lot more like a ‘typical’ office job. I was very pleased to find out it’s smart casual because I would’ve had to buy a lot more fancy shirts and trousers! I thought it would be quite uptight, but I’m very glad it isn’t. It’s a lot more relaxed than I expected.
In terms of my role, I didn’t really know what to expect. I figured the finance side would be similar to what I was already doing, and in some ways, it is, but in some ways, it’s more complicated. But I like that. I had no expectations at all for compliance – I didn’t even know what it was until my interview!
I guess you prefer the finance side since you’re going down that route?
It’s hard to put a finger on exactly why I prefer Finance. I do really enjoy creating automated spreadsheets for Compliance, but I just feel like Finance suits me better. My current role being split across both departments has still been a great role to work in. I’ll definitely miss some of the work in Compliance, but it’s hard to spread yourself across two departments, so I did eventually have to pick one or the other. The whole team has been very supportive and there’s been no hard feelings or unfair persuasions trying to get me to join one department or the other.
You are a whizz on Excel! You’ve started doing some training sessions to teach the rest of us the basics… how are you finding running your own training sessions?
It’s never something I’ve done before. The first one I was quite nervous for; I didn’t know what to expect or what to plan so I just sort of winged it for half an hour. But now I’ve extended the sessions to be longer, so it’s going better. Some people are even joining who hadn’t initially signed up, so I think it’s proving useful for the team!
You’ve taught us some really useful tips and tricks so far!
The goal isn’t to make everyone a wizard on Excel, it’s just to get people more confident with it. If everyone is a bit more clued up, they can use things without being scared of it.
What’s your favourite part of your role?
My favourite part of my job is making new things that make things easier. For example, I just made a new template for the Client Service team so they can work more efficiently. So, I’d say making something from scratch that helps a lot of people out.
Aside from that, I love all of the events that we do – team building and the pizza party. Even though I’m not going to the pizza party, it’s still good to know it’s there if I wanted to. And it seems like there’s events quite often to join in with.
The Wellbeing Team do try!
Even stuff like the Office Olympics where it’s not a full event, but you can dip in and out throughout the day. It’s different to anything that anyone else does.
Going back to you creating things, you’ve identified quite a few areas to improve efficiency. Do you feel you’re given quite a bit of freedom?
Yeah definitely. There’s nothing that I’ve suggested that I’ve been told “You can’t do that, it’s not yours”. If there’s anything I suggest that I think could be better and I explain it in a reasonable way, it’s listened to and accepted. I’ve never felt like I’m in a box.
Is there anything that you find quite challenging?
A lot of the new stuff that I do is quite challenging. Creating spreadsheets from scratch when you only have a rough idea of what people want is not always easy, but that’s part of the fun! There’s nothing that I’ve thought is really difficult and I’ve dreaded doing, but I don’t know whether that’s more just the type of person I am. I’m more of a problem solver than a complainer.
Speaking of the type of person you are, what type of person do you think does well here from what you’ve seen so far?
I don’t think there’s really a set example. No one here is the same as another person, there’s no set thing that you have to follow. It’s quite an accepting place. If you’re not very social, you don’t have to come to the events. If you are social, there’s loads organised that you can join in with. If you need some peace and privacy, there’s rooms to go and work in. So I don’t think there is a set type of person, you just have to be someone who likes a good challenge and is willing to crack on.
If someone was joining tomorrow, what advice would you give them?
Show off a bit! There isn’t much pressure, so get to grips at your own speed, try and have a bit of fun. No one’s really as scary as they might seem. Just try and get to know people!
How would you describe the leadership team at IFP?
I don’t think they’re as intimidating as other places. I’m sure there’s many offices where the manager has their own room and it can be quite scary if they come out and wander around. But here, since it’s open plan, everyone is already present and making jokes or chatting. They’ve obviously got that, sort of, ‘power’, and will ask for things to be done, but at the end of the day, they’re just people. Because you’re around them so often, you just get comfortable.
You’ve had access to flexible hours and work from home over the past year but are there any benefits you’re looking forward to utilising now you’re on a permanent contract?
I was reading through the list in my contract, and it all sounds quite exciting. I want to try the golf – I don’t have any clubs, but it’s something I want to try. It sounds like fun!
You may as well take advantage and give it a go! Thank you, Elliott, it’s been lovely to chat to you. I’ve just got my quick-fire questions to ask then I’ll let you get back to your spreadsheets!
Describe IFP in 3 words or less – Collaborative, fun, casual.
Tea or coffee? Coffee.
Office or remote? A bit of both. I can’t pick one or the other!
Early start or late finish? Early start.
Quick lunch or long lunch? Mostly quick, but sometimes I like a longer lunch.
Smarter or more casual style? Casual.
If Elliott has piqued your interest in working for IFP, head to our Careers Page to see what roles are currently available!
