Hi, it’s Callum again. You may remember me from such hits as my “Starting with Stand” blog that I wrote a couple of years ago. A lot has changed since then, not least the fact that I’ll not be with Stand for much longer. The 15th of December, my 922nd day at Stand, is my last. I thought it might be nice to talk to you about my experience, and what I’ve learned in my two and a half years here.
As I mentioned in my last blog, this was my first office job, which was a massive culture shock for me coming straight in from university. Going from only really working for myself, to working with a group of people towards a common goal was a big jump for me; and it didn’t always go as planned. I had to get used to other people’s working patterns, the different ways they liked to brief and be briefed on different projects. It’s taken a while for me to get used to this, but with time and patience I have.
I’m not the same person that walked into my internship two and a half years ago. My policy work has grown exponentially better thanks to fantastic guidance from Paul, Caroline and Jonny. The situation reviews that I prepare at the start of new projects have never before been so insightful (from what I’ve been told).
Who knew, before I started, that I would now have the distinct privilege of being a vaguely competent podcast editor!
More importantly than all of that though, I can honestly say that I have never been so at peace with myself. I have confidence in my abilities, and understand my own limits. It is only because of the support that I have benefitted from Stand that I felt confident enough to take the next step in my career. I wasn’t looking for a new job, with colleagues like these who would!? However, when I saw it, I knew that it was time to move on. Everyone at Stand has been on the receiving end of at least one transport related 15-minute long tangent from me, so they understood as well as I did that this was an opportunity that I couldn’t let pass me by.
Working at Stand has been an absolute privilege. I cannot imagine a better group of people to start your professional working life with. The understanding, empathy, and consideration they have shown me throughout is more than anyone could possibly have expected, and I will miss everyone terribly.
Thank you all for everything you have taught me. I am a more rounded, knowledgeable, confident, and generally better man than I was just a few years ago. I hope working with me has been a tenth as enjoyable as it was working with all of you.
So long, and thanks for all the fish!
Blog by: Callum Currie
