Q: Can you tell us a little about yourself and what you enjoy outside of work?
A: Hey, I’m Nat! I’m a married mum of two crazy kids… and a furry one too—my boxer, Mabel! Outside of work, you’ll find me spending time with my family, socializing with friends, or running. I do enjoy a marathon or two (if “enjoy” is the right word)! My love for running started when I ran the Brighton Marathon for a neonatal charity, ‘Little Roo’s’, after my daughter was born not breathing. She’s now a sassy 8-year-old, and running marathons has taught me determination, willpower, and the importance of never giving up, even when things seem out of reach.
Q: What has your career journey been like before recruitment?
A: My career has always been in finance (aside from my early days as a barmaid). I understood the recruitment world from a back-office perspective, but I never imagined I’d end up as a recruitment consultant myself—especially at 36 years old! I originally joined Albion Rye Associates to head up the back-office finance department after Jake, an old work pal, reached out to me. After a year, I had this gut feeling that I wanted to try my hand at recruitment, something that had never crossed my mind in previous jobs. Fast forward to now, and here I am nearly two years down the line!
Q: What do you do at Albion Rye Associates, and what do you enjoy about your role?
A: I’m a Market Research Recruitment Consultant, working within the pharmaceutical and consumer sectors. I identify top talent for UK and US consultancies. There are so many aspects of my job that I love, especially talking! I really enjoy connecting with people, and it’s so rewarding to receive positive feedback from candidates I place. I also work with an amazing team—it’s true there’s no ‘I’ in team, and I’m lucky to have fantastic colleagues around me. My manager, James, has been incredible in helping me achieve so much so far!
Q: What’s been a proud moment in your recruitment career so far?
A: Winning “Rookie of the Year” in my first year of recruitment was a huge achievement for me, especially since I have two young kids, and this was a completely new career path. It certainly comes with challenges, but those challenges also bring excitement. Recruitment keeps me on my toes, and it’s true—no two days are the same!
Q: What motivates you in your work?
A: I’m a pretty determined and competitive person, so being the best, I can be really drives me. I love banging that gong when I place top talent, winning new clients, and earning money for my family. I’ve also been lucky enough to go on some amazing trips with Albion Rye Associates, like to Monaco and South Africa. Those are experiences I might not have had otherwise, and I’m proud of that.
Q: What advice would you give to someone considering recruitment or changing their career?
A: I couldn’t be more of an advocate for Albion Rye Associates! For anyone thinking about getting into recruitment or making a career change, do it—take a risk! You never know what you’re capable of unless you try. I never thought I’d be in the career I’m in now, and I’m so glad I took the leap. It’s funny how it’s taken me this long to realize what I was missing in my career—excitement!
