At Uniguest, we are committed to empowering our team members to grow both personally and professionally. We believe learning is a lifelong journey that fuels innovation and success. Today, we celebrate the inspiring stories of our colleagues who have embraced the challenge of furthering their education while balancing their careers.
For many, the decision to pursue further education came from a deep desire to grow and improve, both personally and professionally. Whether they’ve been with us for a few years or nearly a decade, each person’s story is unique, yet a common thread unites them: the drive to enhance their skills and make a meaningful impact in their roles. As Fernando Abreu, a Senior Python Engineer, shared, “I wanted to stay up to date and relevant, not just for my job, but also because of my curiosity and personal interest in the field.”
Finding the right balance between work and study is never easy, but our team members have shown incredible dedication. Many of them have found creative ways to manage their time effectively, from studying during weekends to setting aside specific times during the workweek. “Making a commitment to myself was the first step,” said Vince Ventura, an Internal Project Manager. “I carved out 30-60 minutes each evening and protected that time like it was an important meeting. Even with personal challenges, like welcoming a new baby, I stayed committed to my education.”
A key factor in the success of our colleagues has been the support from Uniguest. Managers and HR have been there every step of the way, providing not only financial assistance but also encouragement and understanding. Adam Dryden, Project Manager & Support Team Lead, commented, “Uniguest was very supportive. The financial relief and the flexibility to learn at my own pace made it manageable to grow my skills while excelling in my job.”
The impact of continuing education has been profound, leading to new skills, increased confidence, and the ability to take on more complex projects. These experiences have empowered our team members to apply their newfound knowledge directly to their roles, making them more effective and prepared for future challenges. Valerie Yenshaw, a Project Manager, shared, “Continuing my education has allowed me to take on new projects with confidence. The skills I’ve learned have helped me grow, not just in my role, but as a person.”
Flexibility and trust have also played crucial roles in supporting our team members’ education journeys, Eryn Niamh, a Digital & Content Designer, highlights how important it is to feel trusted and supported while pursuing her degree part-time. “Trust plays a pivotal role in this process, and Uniguest excels in offering the flexibility I needed to make it work,” Eryn shared. “I feel very grateful to be a part of a business that encourages their employees to further their knowledge and has support in place for anyone who wants to benefit their career and expand their knowledge.”
Balance is key—commit to your personal growth and embrace the process as a valuable investment in yourself. As Sarah Bracewell, a Finance Assistant advises, “Take it one day at a time and revisit what you’ve learned. This approach helps manage your workload and reveals the tangible progress you’re making.” Every small step contributes to significant achievements, and with perseverance, the journey of learning can lead to lifelong learning and personal and professional growth.
With People and Innovation as two of our four Core Values, Uniguest is pleased to support our team members in their professional growth by offering a variety of learning opportunities and support, along with a flexible working environment. We are delighted to help our team members be their best selves and it is exciting and rewarding to see them grow.
By Gillian Tierney, Chief People Officer