At M&G, we’re celebrating National Careers Week by talking with colleagues who have taken on unique career opportunities offered at M&G. We have dedicated programmes which provide colleagues with the development, support and flexibility to maneuver around the business to try out different career paths.
Through secondments, our colleagues are able to switch roles in the business for a minimum of 6-months. Towards the end of the secondments, colleagues have the prospect of staying in their new team permanently or returning to their original role.
We spoke to Sereena Johal, Central Sustainability Office Governance Manager, who shares more about her experience of secondment opportunities at M&G.
Sereena Johal, Central Sustainability Office Governance Manager, said:
“I was looking for a new challenge at the start of 2023 and saw a secondment to work in our Central Sustainability Team as a Governance Manager. Given I had experience of governance through my time in our breach team and I have project management skills I was excited to have the opportunity to try out a new role using skills I attained from previous roles. I was successful in securing a 12-month secondment and have now gone permanent within my role. This is my third secondment at M&G, each secondment I have been on has led to a permanent move and I am so grateful for the opportunities which are created here to enhance learning and career progression.”
Our career exploration programme called Aspire aims to identify, develop and nurture existing diverse talent within our organisation. The programme offers successful applicants a 12-month secondment in customer and distribution, and client-facing investment roles. The programme is for everyone, but it focusses on talented Black, Asian, and ethnic minority colleagues. At the end of the secondments, colleagues can choose to go back to their original role or apply for relevant vacancies in customer and distribution or client facing Investment teams.
We spoke to Douglas Osmond-Igomu, Project Manager, who joined the Aspire programme last year, tells us more about his experience on the programme so far.
Douglas Osmond-Igomu, Project Manager, said:
"I was looking for an opportunity to move into a Product Delivery Project Manager role, but the opportunity hadn’t yet materialised. So I was very happy to apply for the role when I saw it advertised through the Aspire programme. I had no previous project management experience but Aspire was a great opportunity for me because the programme focusses more on how your current skills and potential match your desired role rather than focusing on experience. I might not have had this chance without the programme, so I really appreciate the opportunity.
My project management role has been a great learning experience for me and I have gained a lot of knowledge from different team members. The mentoring sessions have offered useful guidance which I have used effectively in my role and it has helped me to develop professionally. The role has been challenging but rewarding and I have completed four project changes so far and I am looking forward to delivering several more.
My goal after the programme comes to an end is to keep working in the project management field and use the skills I have learned and keep growing personally.”