“Students are now able to apply for Sky Betting & Gaming’s graduate schemes in: Commercial, Software Academy, Operations, Finance and Data Analytics.”

Current Sky Betting and Gaming Compliance Officer Hayley Doherty gives us an insight on what it’s like to work for Sky Betting and Gaming and an insight into her student experience.

Alumni success story – Hayley Doherty

Name: Hayley Doherty

Company name: Sky Betting and Gaming

Position: Compliance Officer

1. What did you want to be when you grew up?

Teacher, Actress, Fashion Designer … I never really knew. As I became older, I found I had an interest in Business. To be honest I did not really know what I wanted to do, how can you be sure when you have not experienced the roles.

2. How did you know what you wanted to study at the University of Huddersfield?

For A level, I studied Business, Maths and Textiles so a Fashion Management degree seemed suited to my skills. I had an interest in fashion and I had read about jobs available in the industry. I wanted a degree which would make me employable and target a specific job – at the time Merchandising.

3. What was your plan of action when searching for jobs post-graduation?

I thought I knew what I wanted to do already. I had completed a placement year at Debenhams with an offer to return post university. A Merchandising Manager from George attended a project week at the university and as I result, I was offered a role at George Asda.

After working for George for a year I was keen for a change of role. At this point I knew I wanted a graduate scheme as often they came with fast development opportunities. I was unsure on exactly what I wanted to do so the rotational graduate scheme with Sky Betting and Gaming was appealing. A chance to try many jobs and work out what I like.

4.What did you find hardest when looking for a graduate job?

Personally, I was highly selective over the role I was looking for after George, I knew I wanted a graduate scheme, location was important to me and I wanted somewhere I thought I would progress. The hardest part was finding a role, which suited my needs; I spent weeks trawling through sites. I think its important to think about what you want out of your graduate role – spending time on applications you really care about.

5. What does your average day look like at Sky Betting and Gaming?

Honestly, every day is different which is exactly what I needed! The business is young, fast paced and agile! Half of my day may be spend engaging with key stakeholders to implement or develop a process change or deliver a project, and the other half auditing, exploring new technologies, signing off marketing, liaising with third party suppliers or thinking about what could be the next big idea. One day even consisted of a trip to Ikea to help create a creative thinking space! After work, we often go for drinks or attend commercial talks that are held within the offices.

6. What do you most enjoy at Sky Betting and Gaming?

I love the people, the variety of my role and speed of progression.

7. What’s your biggest achievement to date?

Getting a 1st in my degree.

8. What piece of advice would you give to a 1st year student at the University of Huddersfield?

Enjoy your first year (not too much)! Knuckle down in second and third.

9. What piece of advice would you give to a final year student looking for a graduate job?

Keep searching and you will find what you are looking for; put time into your applications and prepare before interviews. You will be expected to know basic information about the company, and several interview questions can be pre-empted.

10. What would you do differently if you went back to university now?

Nothing, I loved university and now I love my job.

11. If you could learn anything, what would it be?

Some style of dancing, maybe ballroom or Latin.

12. What would be your ultimate dream job?

I would love one day run my own business.

Sky Betting and Gaming’s graduate schemes are now open, visit their webpage for more information:https://www.skybetcareers.com/our-tribes/ec-section-homepage

They have opportunities in Commercial, Software Academy, Operations, Finance and Data Analytics.