It’s time to find out more about the newest edition to the SIMIAN team as we welcome Farhana as our latest Business Development Manager (BDM) for the South East region.

Please can you tell us about your past work experience?

I have been working as a Business Development account manager for local council colleges for the past 6 years, my role at SIMIAN is quite similar to that at the colleges as the aim it to engage with employers and generate new revenue for the company.

Whilst working for the colleges, my key tasks were to support employers with their apprenticeships through onboarding and sharing my knowledge about the programmes, share information on available funding, support the learners and identify tendor bidding opportunities.

Can you describe a typical day at SIMIAN?

Its very early stages but I had a fantastic onboarding process with the people and process manager and Sara Calvo who has been a brilliant mentor to me, I feel very welcomed into the company. There is a lot of information to take in but I am getting there and making relationships and connecting with roofing companies to onboard and provide information for new apprenticeship learners.

Is there one aspect of your work in particular that you most enjoy?

I really enjoy working in the education sector and I am keen on learner achievement, I like seeing the learners progress and achieve results in their chosen field. It’s not only supporting the company but supporting the individual learner too. The companies I have worked with valued the relationships, service, and engagement I have provided them.

Some people work just for work, but I am passionate about this role and enjoy it.

What advice would you give those considering a career in the construction industry?

Keep your options open – do not block your options off solely wanting to become a trade specialist in one sector. Also, construction is open to men and women, so anyone who is interested can enjoy a fulfilling career.

Before working at SIMIAN, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?

I worked as an Data Quality and Personnel Analyst for Philips company in Eindhoven in the Netherlands for almost 6 years. I really enjoyed that job as it allowed me to connect and work within a multi-cultural environment with people from various backgrounds

What would be your dream job?

Keep the journey of education going because knowledge is the power!

If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Switzerland – I have never been and it looks like a beautiful place.

Favourite film?

Terminal – it represents different people’s lives and the life changes that you have to be prepared and adapt for, also shows to be creative in a situation and not frustrated!

Favourite food?

Turkish and Chinese

Have you ever had your 15 minutes of fame?

Oh my god yes!!! I met David Schwimmer, and Ross from Friends in a Starbucks in Southwark,  London. I was so excited instead of being nice and I just said, ‘Are you ‘The’ Ross from Friends’ and whilst laughing he replied ‘No, I am just David’

Fantasy date?

David Duchovny from X Files

Secret talent?

I used to be a classical dancer, I still do dance now and dancing makes my day – I feel happy when I am dancing. I also used to do painting and sketching as a hobby too.

If you would like more information about our Apprenticeship Programmes, email Farhana on frahman@simian-risk.com