We spoke to Kellie Kwarteng, SThree Partner for Public Sector UK who returned to Birmingham after joining SThree in London 13 years’ ago.
Why did you join SThree?
I am local to Birmingham. I was born in Solihull and stayed in the Midlands until I finished University at Coventry Business School. I knew I wanted to work in recruitment and ideally for SThree as my brother used to work for one of our brands many years ago. While I was at university, I saw how much he was achieving and progressing his career, earning fantastic money whilst having a load of fun. I thought to myself, ‘that’s the kind of company I want to work for’! It was the opportunity to work for a truly meritocratic company that sold it to me. I wanted to work for an employer that recognises me for the work I do and rewards me based on my achievements.
What does SThree have to offer?
It’s offered me a great career. I joined SThree in London in April 2005 as a trainee recruitment consultant, working for what was then known as Real IT Resourcing to build the local government market. Thirteen years on, I am now the SThree UK&I Partner for public sector and I also look after Real IT Birmingham. I have always had a passion for the public sector. What I love about the people I place is that what they do makes a real difference to all of our lives. I also think we are still very early on in our journey with the Public Sector and there is lots to look forward to.
Kellie Kwarteng
The training with SThree has been out of this world. I worked for a sales company before and I was only given training in week 1, after that it was sink or swim to see if you passed probation! The training at SThree has been continuous throughout my career and even today as a Partner, I have been given opportunities to work with external executive coaches to further develop myself and still have training sessions internally.
As a mother of two, I can say that SThree has been so supportive throughout my pregnancies and upon returning to work. When I was pregnant with my second child, I made the decision to leave London and ‘go home’ to Birmingham. SThree encouraged me to develop a role that I could really make mine. They have always helped me to achieve the best work/life balance and make sure I don’t miss those important moments like my children’s nursery Christmas play, first day at school, sports day... I also work one day a week from home which means I can take the kids to school that day and then off to swimming lessons.
What’s it like working in Birmingham?
We have a great team here in Birmingham and I love this city. It is home for me so I’m not objective but I have to say that since being back and especially over the past 12 months, the city has been on an amazing transformation to the point of not knowing where I am half the time! We’re based in a brilliant location, right in the heart of the city, in a brand new refurbished office.
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