Starting Without a Roadmap

When I first started at CJD as a receptionist at Guildford, I wasn’t thinking too far ahead.

I had a more present-minded mindset. CJD was much bigger than my previous workplace, and all the products were new to me. My focus was on settling in, understanding the business and getting my grounding. I wanted to get my head around the different areas and how everything connected.

At that stage, I was concentrating on doing my role well.

When It Became More Than a Role

The shift for me happened when I moved into the National Office as a Product Systems Admin Clerk.

I was young and, if I’m honest, a bit naïve about what happened outside of a branch. Stepping into that role opened my eyes to the scale of the business and the amount of work that goes on behind the scenes to keep branches supported and the company functioning smoothly.

That was the first time I realised CJD could be somewhere where I could build a career, not just hold a position.

Stepping Into the Unknown

Moving from reception into national systems and sales support was a big change.

I truly felt out of my depth at first. If an internal staff member hadn’t suggested my name for the role, I probably wouldn’t have even considered it. That suggestion made me realise there were skills in me that I hadn’t fully acknowledged.

I discovered I’m quite analytical and data-oriented. In some ways, I’m a perfectionist. Those traits proved important in the roles that followed.

I also learned that I enjoy understanding why we do something and what impact it will have. I feel more confident in my work when I understand the purpose behind it and the steps required to reach the end goal. That mindset has helped me transition between roles and grow within the business.

It’s been a bit of a full-circle experience; new responsibilities have helped me discover strengths I didn’t know I had.

Support That Stays Consistent

One thing that has remained consistent throughout my time at CJD is the support from the people around me.

I’ve been fortunate to work with colleagues who are willing to share their knowledge and encourage growth. People have believed in me, given advice and pushed me to step forward when opportunities came up.

CJD has also invested in training courses throughout my career, aligned with my responsibilities and development areas at the time. That investment made it clear that if you’re willing to learn and take responsibility, the business will back you.

Making a Difference Behind the Scenes

In my current role as National Sales Support Coordinator, much of what I do isn’t visible to customers.

But I believe it makes a difference.

Communication is a big part of my work. So is supporting colleagues. At the end of the day, we’re all working towards the same goal in different ways. When we communicate clearly and support each other, everything runs more smoothly.

If I can help make someone else’s job easier, that ultimately helps the business perform better as a whole.

Advice to Someone Starting Out

For someone joining CJD today in an entry-level role, I would say this:

Come in wanting to learn and understand the business. Take the time to see how the different areas connect.

But also take the time to figure out what you enjoy. That’s important. When you understand what gives you a sense of fulfilment, you can lean into it. Growth tends to follow when your strengths align with the work you’re doing.

My journey hasn’t been about chasing titles. It’s been about learning, stepping outside my comfort zone and contributing where I can.

And over time, that’s turned into a career I’m proud of.