With mid-year conversations happening this month, it’s a great opportunity to focus on the future and think about the development you need to support your growth and career aspirations.
Today, we’re shining a spotlight on Kirby and their development journey.
Introducing Kirby Mandziej, Senior Advisor, Training Compliance, People Operations – Maritime
“I joined Carnival UK in 2022 as a Senior Advisor within the Training and Compliance team. I was due to join in April 2020 but COVID delayed that, so I was really pleased when I could eventually join the team!
Prior to Carnival UK, I spent five years working in compliance for a global recruitment company, specialising in Group compliance.
What I do now
In my current capacity, I manage our fleet training, making sure our officers attend annual training via our CSMART centre in Almere.
My manager, Andy Upham, knew development was important to me, so when the opportunity arose for an apprenticeship, I jumped at the chance.
I started my Level 5 Operations/Department Manager Apprenticeship in October 2022. I am still early on in the process but so far, I am thoroughly enjoying it!
There’s no age limit to developing yourself
There are many reasons for embarking on an apprenticeship, however, I wanted to prove that there is no age limit to further education. Even at 30 years old, you can re-visit your academic learning.
I didn’t finish college or go to university, but this hasn’t left me at a disadvantage and I love that Carnival UK has given me this opportunity.
On the job learning
After my off-site training, I took plenty of development and growth opportunities back to my manager to implement or consider. I am sure this will continue the further into the Apprenticeship I get.
The GROW model, which is a coaching model, is something valuable I’ve taken away from my apprenticeship. It’s useful to know the different questioning techniques you can use to support someone (without giving them solutions) and have them come up with ways forward.
We’ve also learned about Kotter’s theory and the difference between a manager (transactional) and a leader (transformational), thinking about which one we aspire to be.
I have to say it has been really refreshing to come away realising just how much as a business we do in comparison to others!
My top development tips
Have a positive mindset in your ability to succeed. Nobody will root harder for you than yourself!
Network, network, network!
Be persistent and keep moving towards your goals.
Thanks for sharing, Kirby!
As Kirby mentions, persistency and moving towards your goals is key. So, where would you like to be before the end of the year? Follow the guidance here to reflect on and review your goals ahead of your mid-year conversation.
Are you interested to learn more about what makes a good coach and how to give effective feedback?
- Click here to find out more about the GROW model for coaching.
- Sign up to one of our Coaching and Feedback skills sessions today via The Cove calendar here.