Making the right decision

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Sona: BA (Hons) History: Graduate Trainee Scheme

I was thrilled to get a job with a well-known international company with a blue chip reputation. I joined a graduate-training programme in the purchasing function and was thrown in at the deep end. I had a real job and real responsibility from day one, which was challenging and at times very stressful. My manager has a key role in helping me to learn which has had its ups and downs, given he is often away form the office or very busy. I gained a great deal from a three-month secondment 'on the road' with a sales team. Exposure to other functions has only helped to confirm that I made a good choice of career with plenty of scope to specialise later on.

Gary: MSc Human Resource Management

I deliberately chose to study to MSc level to raise my chances of getting a job with one of the best known management consultant firms. I was successful and started work in August 1999. I can't describe the pressure and responsibility I have been given. Everyone works endless hours, very few leave before 9 p.m. at night and I often worked through the weekends. My boss is hardly as boss at all…at least not what I expected. We are on first name terms, I am left to plan my own work schedule and have control of budgets worth over £250,000. This is a real test, I am learning a lot and at times the adrenaline buzz is amazing. It won't last though. I'll give myself two years then I'll need to get out - if you don't you burn out. Still I'm glad I've done it - now I know what I'm made of!