Sadie’s development story

As we continue our focus on development, we’re spotlighting another example of how one of our colleagues has been focusing on their own development journey…

Introducing Sadie

Sadie Parker

Executive, Fleet People Systems

“In late 2016, I successfully interviewed for the role of receptionist onboard Britannia and following a successful tour, I took the opportunity to move roles to Crew Administrator. This role taught me so much. It helped me build my knowledge by being the first port of call for crew for questions and to advise on services. This was also my first time using Mistral operationally and I really enjoyed learning how to use this part of the crew/company system.

Following support from my onboard manager, in 2019 I transitioned shoreside to work in P&O Cruises GE Rotations.

For two years through the fun of COVID, I worked closely with my team and manager to fully understand what Rotation Planners did, how they used the systems and how the process should work.

However, In June 2021 a different role was advertised within the Fleet People Operations (FPO) Data and Systems space. This was not an obvious change because it was significantly different from my previous roles. It would’ve also technically required a demotion and pay drop from Rotations.

However, the role itself seemed interesting, challenging, and rewarding and I felt there was significant potential for personal and technical development. I discussed all of these things with my line manager who encouraged me to take the plunge and apply. I went for it and I was successful at becoming an Advisor, Fleet People Systems, Data & MI.

I can happily confirm this was the best career choice I have made so far.

In my nearly 2 years in this role I have expanded my skillset vastly. During this time I have discovered my love for systems, and with my manager’s help, I was able to continue my progression which has led to my recent promotion to Executive, Fleet People Systems.

My current manager has been involved in my development right from the start of joining the FPO. In my very first catch up, it was made clear that it was up to me to decide the route I would like to take, whether it was systems or data reporting, and that I would have exposure in both areas in this role.

As a result of my time as Advisor, Fleet People Systems, amongst other achievements I have:

• Learnt how to use a Business Object Reporting Tool (BOXI) to generate reports containing fleet data, and developed my skills with BOXI to such as creating variables, multiple queries and merged dimensions.
• Furthered my Microsoft Excel skills, so I can now complete such aspects as nested IF statements, plus a variety of other excel functionality such as concatenate, VLOOKUPs and pivot tables.
• Established myself as an SME for Mistral.

My manager has constantly encouraged me to take ownership of my development throughout this time, supporting with structured development plans and incorporating me into different projects and working groups, to further expand my knowledge.

My colleagues in Fleet People Data have been a big part of my journey too, instructing me on the ways of BOXI, the hidden features of Excel and the intricacies of Mistral. Steve has continued to push me out of my comfort zone, which has allowed me to expand on my knowledge and increase my confidence.

I look forward to continuing on in my journey, to enhance my knowledge and I’m excited to see what the future holds.

Thanks for sharing Sadie!

Making the most of opportunities can help you go far. Seeking what you need and using the support of those around you can be beneficial in navigating and achieving your own personal development goals.

We know it can also be tricky to come up with the types of activities that will help you get ahead. So why not try taking the My Best Me quiz on The Cove to get you started and to help create your own development plan. Alternatively check out one of our bite-sized Power Hour sessions to support your development throughout the rest of the year.