Senior Principal Consultant, Alexander Tattum tells us his SThree career story and what he loves about living and working in Bristol.
What brought you to SThree?
After finishing my degree and travelling around Europe, I knew I wanted to have a career with clear progression, somewhere where I would get out as much as I put in. A couple of my friends had previously suggested recruitment would be a good match for my skills and experience so I thought it would be a good option to explore. I joined our Manchester office in 2010 as a Trainee Consultant.
Alexander Tattum
‘There is nowhere better to learn your trade in recruitment’
My career has continued to progress, more than I even thought possible. The training here was so valuable in my first few years. I quickly learnt the basics and was advanced through various training programmes to keep improving. And training and development never stops - eight years in and I am still learning. There is nowhere better to learn your trade in recruitment than here at SThree.
What are you currently focussing on?
I am responsible for placing contractors into embedded software and electronics roles. I really enjoy the market - it is interesting, a bit geeky and I can see continuity and a future need for these types of engineers for many years to come. Embedded software is found in so many every day applications such as automotive, aerospace, wearable technologies - technology is synonymous with our world now and I enjoy the fact that I am continuously learning about the world around me.
How does SThree help you to achieve a healthy work/life balance?
The flexible approach offered by SThree allows me to manage a healthy work/life balance which has become even more important since becoming a father 3 years ago. Anyone with children will know how tricky it can be to juggle work and home life. I can't speak highly enough of the way the management here have supported me through this period. Of course, it works both ways, I still have to deliver and add value wherever I am working, but this approach to flexibility makes it work for all parties. With my second child due any day, I am more grateful for this than ever!
Why would you recommend Bristol as a place to work?
Bristol is a great place to work. It’s a definite hub for technology from both an IT and Engineering perspective. It’s the perfectly sized city in my opinion – big enough to offer everything you’d need from a major city- restaurants, bars, shopping, culture - but not too big! And with beautiful countryside on the doorstep, we really do have it all.