A loud, proud and queer man from Grimsby
From a young, closeted teenager from the deep and dark depths of Grimsby - to a loud, proud and openly gay branch manager for Enterprise Rent-A-Car in Manchester. I run my own fleet, manage 5 employees and head up our internal LGBTQ+ network Enterpride, which sees responsibility for the engagement and mental wellbeing of 750+ LGBTQ+ employees and allies.
I am no exception to the rule that sometimes we feel a little lost in life – especially after university. Why does nobody talk about post-university depression? Leaving university was what I can only refer to as anti-climactic. I had a first-class BA Hons in Comedy Writing and Performance and was angry at the world for not making me rich and famous. I was stuck in a rut, working in a bar, and doing stand-up in my spare time.
I had a job, but not a career. The thought of applying to a company with the intention of spending over 5 years of my life there gave me crippling anxiety. At this point – I had ‘come out the closet’ around 3 times. Parents. School. University. It is tiresome and scary – but not as scary as the thought of not being my authentic self at work. I felt sick at the thought of joining a company, having to ‘butch’ up and talk about football all day long. Who scored for Chelsea last night? I could not care less. I wanted the Strictly results and the Love Island gossip.
Queer/minority students everywhere – research the companies you are applying for! There are lots of things to consider when applying for careers, but the biggest one for me was the diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. I perform best when I am myself, when I can be that loud and proud queer from Grimsby. I perform best when I can inject passion into my work and my company gives me the devices to do so.
It is so easy to get lost in an abundance of job adverts on Indeed or LinkedIn, but you must remember to do your research. I applied for Enterprise once I visited their website and looked through their policies. I was greeted by a plethora of articles written by employees – including LGBTQ+, BAME and disability initiatives the company has in place. Enterprise is a family-owned car rental company and prides itself on 8 founding values:
Our brands are the most valuable things we own.
We work hard … and we reward hard work.
Customer service is our way of life.
Great things happen when we listen … to our customers and to each other.
Our company is a fun and friendly place where teamwork rules.
We strengthen our communities – one neighbourhood at a time.
Personal honesty and integrity are the foundation of our success.
Our doors are open
‘Our doors are open’ has always resonated with me the most – and after nearly 4 years at Enterprise, it could not be truer. I am now the head of our internal LGBTQ+ committee in the northwest. I am a member of Enterprise UK Stakeholder Diversity Committee. I am part of our UK Enterpride network and so much more. The possibilities are endless at Enterprise – from ideas in my head, to real life LGBTQ+ events up and down the UK. Enterprise Rent-A-Car's ‘doors are open’ and there's thousands of people waiting to welcome that loud and proud and openly gay man in.
Students of yesterday, today and tomorrow – sometimes it is ok to feel lost. You will find yourself again and you will shine brighter than you did before.
Want to join a company that has made a true commitment to providing an open and inclusive working environment, where everyone can be their best? Search for Enterprise’s latest graduate jobs and internship opportunities in your area and see where your career could take you.