My first day, at Fortus on the dawn of... another lockdown

I knew starting a new job meant a lot of ‘firsts’…but never like this! The first team meeting (virtually?), the first conversations with team members (through Microsoft Teams?) and the first lunch with colleagues (at my kitchen counter!). Fortunately, we were able to squeeze the latter in, pre-lockdown!

9 months on, the global pandemic continues to have a profound impact on every one of us, resulting in life-altering consequences. This was certainly the case for me and my fellow graduates of 2020. In October last year, after the hard slog of being a Masters student, I was honoured to receive a Distinction for MSc in Corporate Governance and Leadership. The official graduation had to be cancelled, much to our dismay. Nonetheless, standing tall, with a digital copy of my certificate in tow, I knew it was time to start looking for my first job.

As soon as I walked through the doors at Fortus, I was greeted by each members’ portrait, hung proudly on the walls of reception, with props denoting their favourite hobbies and pastimes. Shortly after, I received a warm welcome from the team, who immediately put me at ease – I had that ‘warm feeling’ straight away. At this point, I knew Fortus was the right place to ‘kick-start’ my Company Secretarial career. It’s true what they say – when you know, you know! It was great then, to receive an offer for the role of Company Secretarial Executive, as I know the stringent recruitment process Fortus go through to find the very best talent.

Days after and a Christmas later, who’d have ever thought my first day at work would be when the country entered yet another National Lockdown? Just my luck, I thought!!

Soon after my first day, I realised quickly that no matter the challenge, there was no doubt it could be tackled with my team by my side (albeit virtually!), and that we were equipped to adapt to anything.

Just days in, I was tasked to think about what hobby I’d have on display in my very own picture! For me, it’s an easy one to decide on – ‘Super Brain’ training! 20 digit numbers learnt in less than 5 minutes, speed reading and comprehension, I could go on and on and on. This skill I had the opportunity to showcase to the whole business through the latest employer brand initiative, MAKE – MOVE – MASTER whereby our company wide team are challenged to share their talents with their colleagues whilst away from our offices.

Needless to say, all of my ‘firsts’ at Fortus have been pleasantly positive, despite the current climate and the difficulties of being a new starter to any business. One thing’s for certain, as these days go ‘down in history’, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to forget my first few days with my new Fortus ‘family’.