From University to Novuna: A Graduate's Transition Guide
Transitioning from university to a professional role can be both exciting and a daunting thought. So who better to give you some tips than someone who's been through our graduate program. We spoke to Commercial and Strategy Associate, Vishal Handa, a previous graduate who successfully navigated his path into the business. This is what he had to say about making the most of your transition and thriving in your new role at Novuna.
Navigating the Transition from University to Novuna
Vishal's journey from studying chemical engineering at university to his current role at Novuna might seem unconventional. However, it shows the importance of adaptability and willingness to learn.
"My manager created an onboarding plan that involved speaking to various stakeholders around the business. This helped me understand what they do and how we operate as a business," Vishal shares. "Within three months, I was contributing to major decisions within the business through these insights."
Tip for a Smooth Transition:
Ask Questions: "My advice coming into any new business is finding people within the business that you can ask a million and one questions to, to build your knowledge and expertise," Vishal recommends.
Embracing Company Culture
Adjusting to the professional world is made easier by a welcoming and supportive culture. Vishal highlights how this environment facilitated his transition.
"At Novuna, the blameless culture and general friendliness of everyone creates an environment that allows you to question the norms and challenge ideas without fear," he explains.
"Being able to ask even simple questions and get non-judgemental answers back creates a huge growth opportunity for your learning."
Valuable Skills from the Graduate Program
Novuna's graduate program is designed to equip you with essential skills invaluable in your professional journey."Through the graduate program and my role, I learned leadership skills, stakeholder management, how to overcome imposter syndrome, and how to interact with peers at all levels of seniority without fear," Vishal notes.
Shifting from Student to Professional
A defining moment for Vishal was when he moved from being a student to contributing to business-critical projects.
"I got involved in a project where my outputs impacted how the project moved forward. I wasn’t just sitting on the sidelines; the outcomes of those projects have shaped the business's direction," he reflects.
"Rather than answering someone else's questions to satisfy a marking criterion, it’s more about the spirit of getting stuck into whatever task is on your radar."
Vishal's Top Tips for New Graduates at Novuna
Engage Fully: Dive Into Tasks: "While it’s good practice to learn when to say no to new tasks, at this earliest stage of your career, getting involved in everything you can will give you the best start possible," Vishal advises.
Find a Champion: "Finding a champion that can help you develop your work style and skills is important. Often this is your manager, but it could also be a mentor or a colleague."
Collaborate: "Building strong relationships with colleagues is crucial for personal and professional growth."
Seek Feedback: "Regular feedback from peers and supervisors can help you continuously improve and adapt."
Active Participation: "Take ownership of your work and get involved in projects."
Open-Mindedness: "Embrace collaboration and continuous learning."
Our 2024 Graduate intake is currently open! If you are interested in kickstarting your career with Novuna, apply for one of our graduate positions today.
You can also read what our talent acquisition team look for when applying for a role here.
Receive articles like this
Tags
Receive articles like this
Welcome to your next role
Can't find what you're looking for? Click on the link below to sign up for job alerts
Roles you might be interested in
Salary
Salary dependent upon experience (excellent benefits package that includes a new car!)
Location
Trowbridge
Location
Trowbridge
Job Type
Full time
Business Area
Novuna Vehicle Solutions
Department
Finance
Description
Are you a CIMA qualified finance professional looking to work within the procurement function of a leading, award winning vehicle leasing company who has a strong focus on decarbonisation goals? If yo
Reference
4342
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Circa £33,000 Depending on experience
Location
Trowbridge
Location
Trowbridge
Job Type
Full time
Business Area
Novuna Vehicle Solutions
Department
Customer Service & Operations
Description
Are you an engaging training professional? Someone who genuinely cares about the learning needs of your colleagues? Want to play a big part in helping drive development within Novuna? If your ans
Reference
4306
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
up to £75,000 plus bonus and company car/car allowance (£5,100 per annum)
Location
Leeds
Location
Leeds
Job Type
Full time
Business Area
Group Internal Audit
Department
Risk & Compliance
Description
Do you have a proven track record of IT Audit? Are you an exceptional communicator with strong stakeholder management skills? Do you enjoy partnering with different areas of the business? If your answ
Reference
4196
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Up to £28,500 (Dependant on experience)
Location
Staines - Business Finance
Location
Staines
Job Type
Full time
Business Area
Novuna Business Finance
Department
Customer Service & Operations
Description
Do you fancy a role where no two days are the same? Do you take pride in your communication and administration skills? Do you thrive within a fast-paced role, with a varied workload? If your answer is
Reference
4365
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
£24,043 per annum
Location
Leeds
Location
Leeds
Job Type
Full time
Business Area
Novuna Consumer Finance
Department
Customer Service & Operations
Description
Do you thrive supporting and helping others? Fancy joining an award-winning customer-obsessed team? Don't want to work weekends…? No problem! If your answer is 'yes' to all of these, keep reading.
Reference
4364
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
£24,043 per annum
Location
Leeds
Location
Leeds
Job Type
Full time
Business Area
Novuna Consumer Finance
Department
Customer Service & Operations
Description
Do you thrive supporting and helping others? Fancy joining an award-winning customer-obsessed team? Don't want to work weekends…? No problem! If your answer is 'yes' to all of these, keep reading.
Reference
4318
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Salary dependent upon experience
Location
Trowbridge
Location
Trowbridge
Job Type
Full time
Business Area
Novuna Vehicle Solutions
Department
Finance
Description
Are you a CIPS qualified senior procurement professional with experience of leading a team to deliver on procurement strategies? Does your experience lie within the automotive/vehicle leasing industry
Reference
4345
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
£26,500 per annum
Location
Staines - Business Finance
Location
Staines
Job Type
Full time
Business Area
Novuna Business Finance
Department
Customer Service & Operations
Description
Do you enjoy delivering exceptional customer experiences? Are you interested in finding out how businesses finance their assets? Are you a natural collaborator and the ultimate team player? If your an
Reference
4359
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Up to £75,000 plus company car (£5,100 per annum) and bonus
Location
Staines - Head Office
Location
Staines
Job Type
Full time
Business Area
Group IT
Department
Data & Technology
Description
Are you passionate about data? Do you get a kick out of leading, mentoring and coaching others? Do you have good working knowledge of data best practices, tools and principals? If your answer is 'yes'
Reference
4352
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
£35-£40k Depending on Experience
Location
Trowbridge
Location
Trowbridge
Job Type
Full time
Business Area
Novuna Vehicle Solutions
Department
Finance
Description
Have you got strong analytical skills and are you a great strategic thinker? Do you work in finance or aspire to do so? Are you excited by the opportunity to join one of the UK's leading Vehicle leasi
Reference
4348
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Articles you might like
Teaser
Company UpdateContent Type
BlogPublish date
10/31/2024
Summary
As black history month draws to a close, we wanted to share a wide-ranging conversation between Novuna Consumer Finance Colleagues Taiwo and Ekaette, both originally from Nigeria, about black culture,
by
Adam Hillier
Teaser
Diversity & InclusionContent Type
BlogPublish date
07/22/2024
Summary
At Novuna, we believe empowering our employees goes beyond providing opportunities for career advancement—it involves giving them a voice and a platform to grow. Our colleague communities, such as Gen
by
Adam Hillier
Teaser
Colleague SpotlightContent Type
BlogPublish date
06/07/2024
Summary
This Pride Month, we're celebrating the importance of bringing your full, authentic self to the workplace. DevOps Lead for Group IT and co-lead of our PRISM LGBTQ+ colleague network, Adam
by
Adam Hillier
Teaser
My Novuna StoryContent Type
BlogPublish date
04/15/2024
Summary
Our latest 'My Novuna Story' feature comes from Operational Trainer, Joshua Nowell. Joshua has used his passion and principles of Muay Thai kickboxing to support his growth at Novuna. Josh
by
Adam Hillier
Teaser
Diversity & InclusionContent Type
BlogPublish date
03/01/2024
Summary
Our communities have become fundamental pillars of support, driving significant benefits for our business. Run by our colleagues, for our colleagues, they work with our Diversity Leadershi
by
Adam Hillier
Teaser
Culture & ValuesContent Type
BlogPublish date
02/23/2024
Summary
For over 40 years, Novuna has provided customers with outstanding experiences while enabling our people to be the best they can be. This all comes from the foundations that our core values
by
Adam Hillier
Teaser
Company UpdateContent Type
AnnouncementPublish date
02/14/2024
Summary
Novuna is proud to announce the integration of Recite Me accessibility and language tools on its career website. This initiative aims to ensure that all candidates can access online co
by
Adam Hillier
Teaser
My Novuna StoryContent Type
BlogPublish date
01/09/2024
Summary
Our second 'My Novuna Story' feature comes from Deputy Head of Sales Business Finance, Chris Powell. He explores the opportunities to learn and the challenges he faced so far in his time a
by
Adam Hillier
Teaser
Company UpdateContent Type
BlogPublish date
12/07/2023
Summary
We are thrilled to announce that Novuna has been ranked 14th on the 2023 Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers list (IT50). This marks the fourth year in a row that Novuna has been featured o
by
Adam Hillier
Teaser
Diversity & InclusionContent Type
BlogPublish date
10/31/2023
Summary
Throughout October, Novuna celebrated Black History Month by holding thoughtful conversations about the contributions and experiences of colleagues from diverse backgrounds. The theme for
by
Adam Hillier
Jobs you have shown an interest in