James - Intern to General Manager

I joined as a summer intern, thinking that it would be just that. However, I was given a lot of responsibility that summer and ultimately asked to go to Dubai with Chris, the CEO, to support the business over there whilst the management team were taking a well deserved break. Following the trip Chris offered me the opportunity to come back as a graduate after I finished university which I gladly accepted. Once back I worked in various departments including service, sales, procurement, and finance which culminated in me being the Business Development Manager for the North and the Midlands. During this time I was offered the opportunity to move out to Abu Dhabi to help expand our business in the Middle East where I worked for a year and a half before accepting a role as General Manager for the UAE. Reading back on this now it sounds like a really a fast development but there was a very supportive team in the business who helped guide me to the position I am in now which is the General Manager for the Netherlands, having opened the branch in June 2021 during COVID. Fast forward 3 years and we have a team of 15 people covering the Benelux and we are opening in Germany later on this year!

Why did you decide to continue your career journey with MCFT after your internship?

I had worked quite closely with George and Adam who had both joined the business in similar ways, Adam as an intern and George as a graduate, and seen the success that they had in moving to the UAE and Qatar respectively to expand MCFT globally. This really excited me and I felt that if I worked hard and performed then I would be able to take the same opportunities which has worked out that way.

How has MCFT supported your career progression?

I was exposed to senior management quite early in my career which gave me a really great insight into how different challenges that you come across in business can and should be dealt with. Coupling this with the numerous courses, seminars and presentations that I have been able to attend because of MCFT has really support me in all of the roles I have had.

What advice would you give other interns starting their journey with MCFT?

Get stuck in, ask questions and be curious. As I am sure others will say, there are plenty of opportunities in this company for those who are willing, and prepared to put the work in – I have gone from Maidenhead – Abu Dhabi – Netherlands, so really, anything is possible.

I think it is so important now that you get experience as early as you can with so many people having degrees and certificates these days. Working in a business is really different from being taught about business so having the experience of an internship can really highlight you as a candidate when we are making selections for new hires.