Noel Smyth, Branch Manager, Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Degree subject Marketing
Job title Branch Manager
Employer Enterprise Rent-A-Car

I first found out about graduate training programmes when I attended my university careers fair and the National Graduate Careers Fair in the RDS, Dublin. I went through a three-stage interview process with different members of staff before being offered the job.

After an initial classroom-based orientation session, I was assigned to a branch for the hands-on training, which was delivered by my manager and a range of other people throughout the company. I received training on all aspects of running a business, including management skills, finance, marketing, operations, sales and customer service.

At university I learned the theory of running a business but the training programme gave me real life experience of how to manage people, develop lasting business relationships and provide excellent customer service. I manage the largest daily rental branch in Ireland and I love running a busy office.

For the future I'm aiming towards becoming an Area Manager, possibly in Ireland or maybe in Europe. I would definitely recommend a graduate training programme as it gives you the opportunity to put what you've learned into practice.