Stephen Smyth, senior director – marketing and analysis, Capital One
From graduate to senior director
After graduating in 1998 I applied to blue-chip financial services and management consultancy firms and found the people at my current employer the friendliest. I started out as a business analyst: for this role I had to come up with new ideas of how to strengthen our ties with our existing customers and increase revenues. After being promoted to senior business analyst, I was given the opportunity to work in both France and Spain. Learning two new languages was a tough experience but I’m glad to say that I am now fluent in French and have a working knowledge of Spanish. While abroad, my employer also sponsored me through an MBA. I was appointed a director in 2004 and senior director in summer 2008.
'You really do learn by experience: I made a mistake in a customer campaign but from this I learned that business success is as much about getting the people and processes right as it is about smart strategy.'
Progressing with experience
I suppose I’ve progressed quite quickly but I’ve had a steep learning curve. You really do learn by experience: when I was a graduate, for instance, I made a mistake in a customer campaign but from this I learned that business success is as much about getting the people and processes right as it is about smart strategy. I now take a seat on leadership teams that manage different departments and I am also responsible for £1 billion in lending per year.
Working abroad was helpful in making me aware of different cultures. People around the world work very differently and you need to adapt your working style to get the best out of your team wherever you are. I enjoy the combination of challenges in my role: on any given day I could get involved with graduate and people development, strategy work (creating new business plans and models) and project management.
'Join the company where you were most impressed with the people you met.'
Secrets of career success
When choosing your first employer, join the company where you are most impressed by the people you meet: if you find a work culture in which you’re stimulated – and work you feel passionate about – success will follow.
