From Graduate to Recruitment Consultant: The STR Group Journey

For graduates, the role of a recruitment consultant can be an ideal entry point into the professional world. It provides the opportunity to leverage skills acquired during their time at university. such as communication, research and analytical abilities, while developing new competencies in client relationship management, negotiation and talent acquisition.

At STR,  our consultants act as vital connectors within the international job market, helping organisations find the right talent to drive their success, and assisting job seekers in securing roles that match their skills and aspirations.

Yasmin Hutchings, now a Team Leader for our Blackfield brand, explained what attracted her to the industry:

Becoming a successful recruitment consultant is not without its challenges. It requires adaptability, resilience, and a proactive mindset to navigate the fast-paced and often competitive recruitment landscape. However, for those who are up for the challenge, becoming a recruitment consultant at STR Group offers a fulfilling career with numerous opportunities for growth, professional development and the satisfaction of making a real difference in people’s lives.

As a commission-based role, the earnings are limitless, and there is a direct correlation between the amount of effort an individual puts in and their pay packet each month, which is also a great motivator. It means that saving for holidays, a car or a house becomes a reality, sometimes a lot more quickly than their peers in other careers.

At STR Group, we understand the importance of recognition and reward, and Jake Harris, Consultant with our Talos Automation brand, confirms:

On joining the STR Group, Graduates are enrolled in our in-house Training Academy, which involves workshops in our state-of-the-art in-house training lab, 1-2-1 mentoring sessions and real-world experience, plus our online training platform, where trainee consultants can track what they’ve learnt, revise and check their knowledge on a plethora of STR, recruitment and business-related topics.

Before working at STR, Callum considered his organisation skills to be poor, but has found they’ve significantly improved with the processes that the business has in place. Furthermore, he feels that, “I’ve learnt so much about employment law and the visa application process, and my skills in negotiation and sales have hugely developed since joining the team.”

Yasmin explained, “The training programme here really helped me to gain a broader perspective and gave me a base knowledge of recruitment to further my growth. Emma, our Head of L&D, is always available to help with any additional questions and provide her insights. One of the sessions that really stayed with me was understanding my value proposition. It allowed me to practise sales calls in training so when I applied it I knew how to position myself for success.”

Whereas Joshua highlights different areas:

Everyone has different aspirations and therefore there are many different definitions of ‘achievement’. Our four graduate consultants were no exception when asked to highlight their top personal achievements to date.

Jake explains, “My one and only goal was to enable my wife to retire from work. She was diagnosed with MS in 2021 after the birth of our second child, and work was always a struggle for her, so I’m pleased to say that she is no longer working and instead working on her health.”

Joshua stated that, “I have actually started saving for a house, still in the early stages, but every little bit helps! With the earning potential, I am now able to take home more money, allowing me to put money away when I can.”

And Callum agrees: “I’ve finally got to a position where I can actually save money for a house and start looking to build my future outside of work.”

Whereas Yasmin highlights her in-house Group awards:

These four couldn’t recommend enough a career in recruitment to any recent graduates. As long as you have the drive to succeed, the rewards are limitless.

One of the benefits of a career at STR is that you can take your journey at your pace, and in the direction you choose, whether that’s a leadership/management or a purely billings-focused role. Joshua is looking forward to one day leading a team: “Since working at STR, my business acumen has certainly improved. This has allowed me to take a step back and consider what I want in my career. I would like to eventually be leading a team, and have international recognition for the work I do with my clients.”

The international opportunities are what particularly attracted Callum:

Yasmin explained: “STR has a very inclusive, performance-driven culture. You have to have motivation to work here; this isn’t a job or place where you can just come and wait for the success to come to you. You have to be hungry and have the drive to go out and get what you want, and the results are more than worth it!”

Similarly, Jake advises: “Give it time; nothing comes easy. Put in the work and don’t assume it’s a 9-5 job. Be prepared to put in the hours BUT you will reap the rewards!”

When asked what they feel makes STR stand out, again everyone had a different perspective. Callum highlights: “STR’s outstanding events and how they really reward their staff,” whereas Yasmin’s career progression has been astronomical, “I started as a 180 delivering for my team on roles in Europe, then I pushed to be a 360 consultant, which is when I enrolled with the graduate programme. The following year I took on the challenge of starting the US branch of Blackfield Associates and have since progressed to leadership level in this sector.”

Jake simply stated, “STR, and Talos in particular, have become like a family to me,” and Joshua said something similar: “The people, and the training. I may be slightly bias as this is the only agency I have worked with, but I would not have it any other way. The training has been excellent, it really gives you a holistic understanding of what you need to excel. The people make the lows easier and the highs even higher!”

Recruitment consultancy offers a unique blend of interpersonal interaction, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of diverse industries, making it an attractive option for those looking to make a significant impact early in their careers. The great news is that the STR Group is looking for Graduate talent right now! Contact Iona, our Talent Acquisition Team Leader.