Zain eyeing up graduate opportunities

When 24-year-old Zain Ali moved to the UK from Milan in Italy back in 2013, he was determined to work hard and secure enough UCAS points to apply for a good university. 
 
He attended the City of Wolverhampton College for three years and completed Business BTEC qualifications before joining Bromford as an agency worker in its people services team. 

“I immediately loved the culture, the work life balance, and the fact I could learn and grow and wasn’t micromanaged – and then I got offered a full-time contract,” he explained. 
 
By that point, Zain had amassed enough UCAS points to apply for his favoured destination: Aston University. And he swiftly embarked on a four-year sandwich course in Business and Management, including a placement year, putting aside any concerns of studying whilst having a full-time job. 
 
He went on: “I had never worked in HR before, but I’ve really enjoyed it and have got to work on some really cool and important projects, including the launch and migration of a brand new HR system to 1,800 colleagues. 
 
“It can sometimes feel like there are not enough hours in the day but Bromford have been so flexible and have always set aside time for me to attend any exams or lectures as part of my course. They recruit around the Bromford DNA and the core values, and you can tell because the people are brilliant, and we work in a very trust-based way.” 
 
On top of his day job and uni course, Zain also became a representative of his business area for Bromford’s colleague engagement group and more recently secured a coveted spot on its Aspiring Leaders Programme (ALP) which is broadening his horizons even further. 
 
“Attending Be.Heard has given me added responsibility, exposure to the rest of the company, and you become a voice for your team. I’m often sharing feedback and liaising with leaders and directors which is fantastic. 
 
“Finding out I was on the ALP was just the icing on the cake and although it has only just started, I’m relishing it. Not every organisation wants to look to the future and invest in its people like Bromford do.” 
 
Zain is now in the final year of his course and is considering his next career move. 
 
“I’m now looking for graduate opportunities and it has been great to learn that Bromford will also be launching its own later this year. There is naturally stiff competition, but I think graduate schemes really take you from A to B in a much shorter timescale and fast track you to senior positions quicker,” he added.