No two CVs are the same. No matter what decisions you make in your education and career, it’s no guarantee of what doors might open for you. In this new series of blogs, we interview some of the Bright Sparks of Stockport and share some of their career journeys, successes and mistakes alike, to help inspire and encourage you to find your spark.
In today’s post, Rick Parry from O’Neill Patient Solicitors tells his story.
Q: What do you currently do?
RP: I am the Accounts Manager for O’Neill Patient Solicitors, who are one of the largest conveyancing law firms in the country.
Q: What qualifications do you have?
RP: I left school with 9 GCSE’s and went to college where I gained an Advanced GNVQ in business. After college, I was eager to start working and decided Uni was not for me.
Q: What was your biggest career flop?
RP: When I was first looking for work, I very nearly took a job in door to door sales. Now I can say I’ve had the door slammed in my face a few times, but not as many as I would have done!
Q: How did you progress to the job you have today?
RP: I have worked since I was 13; jobs included a paper-round, filing at the doctors’, Shop Assistant at the local Spar. These jobs gave me a bit of pocket money and confidence. I started working in Accounts with My Travel Airways. I took a year out and travelled, which I would recommend to anyone. You’ll gain life skills and confidence. On return, I started with O’Neill Patient. When I first joined the firm I had no experience in legal accounts and started from the bottom as a data inputter. Within 2 years, I was promoted to Accounts Manager. I also became a member of the ILFM (Institute of Legal Finance and Management) and completed their diploma and associateship courses.
Q: Finally, what are your three keys to success?
RP: Enjoy what you do and the environment you’re in.
Never say — “that’s not my job.”
If you don’t know the answer… find out.
