My Graduate Journey: Grzegorz

Posted on: 3 June 2024 by Ujjawal Mittal in Graduate stories

Grzegorz Olechnowicz is a Class of 2019 Masters in Management graduate who is now working as Go to Market Lead at BT Group.

We recently caught up with Grzegorz to learn about his career after graduation, favourite University of Liverpool experiences, and top tips for current students and recent graduates.

How did you hear about your role and why did you decide to apply for it?

Whilst on my graduate scheme at BT Group, I have established a strong network with the senior members of the company and I learned about my current role through my network at BT. I decided to apply because it presented a great opportunity to utilise the skillset I developed at PwC and my previous experience as a Commercial Management graduate at BT Group. I was eager to take on a managerial role in a dynamic industry that aligns well with my personality and professional aspirations. This role seemed like the perfect fit for my background.

How did you get to where you are now?

I had a great time at university, which I believe has laid a strong foundation for my career journey. I graduated with an LLB in July 2018 and completed my Masters in Management in December 2019.

During my time at university, I worked part-time at TeamSport Go Karting, where I had the opportunity to develop my commercial awareness. This experience proved invaluable when I participated in numerous assessment centres.

Towards the end of my graduate scheme at BT Group, I attended a very interesting event at PwC where I introduced myself to recruiters. This networking opportunity opened the door to a join an advisory line of business at PwC, where I worked alongside talented professionals across various industries. My time at PwC was marked by working with excellent managers who provided me with opportunities to develop and to work on stimulating projects.

Throughout my career, I have always been open to change and new experiences. This openness has allowed me to adapt and thrive in different environments, ultimately leading me to where I am today. My journey has been shaped by continuous learning, staying curious and seizing opportunities as they arise.

What have been your favourite experiences as part of your role and while at university?             

One of my favourite university experiences was serving as a Course Representative, where I represented 56 students. This experience not only allowed me to improve my leadership and communication skills but also make a tangible difference to the learning experience of my peers.

In my professional life, learning from industry experts has been invaluable. A key skill I gained is stakeholder management, which is essential for ensuring successful project outcomes as it fosters communication and enhances decision-making.  I highly recommend everyone to develop this skill for their professional growth.

What has been the most challenging part of your graduate journey?

The most challenging part of my graduate journey was managing the balance between full-time studies and part-time jobs while coping with applications rejections. Juggling academic commitments and work required effective time management and resilience. Additionally, facing rejections from job applications was tough, but it taught me the importance of resilience. Each rejection became a learning experience, pushing me to refine my approach and stay determined in my career pursuits.

What are you top 3 tips for current students and graduates?

1. Dedicate Yourself to Excellence: Put your heart and mind into everything you do. Strive for excellence in your studies, internships, and any job roles. Ask questions and approach any task with diligence. This commitment will set you apart and help you develop a strong work ethic.
   
   
2. Read Widely: Cultivate your commercial awareness by regularly reading publications like the Financial Times and The Economist. Moreover, I recommend reading books such as ‘Atomic Habits’ by James Clear that  reveals practical strategies that will show you how to form good habits and ‘What they don’t teach you at Harvard Business School’ by Mark McCormack which features an advice you will never hear in school. Staying informed and continuously learning will give you a competitive edge.
   
   
3. Build a Professional Network: Engage in conversations with people in your field, attend industry events and ask questions. Networking can open doors to new opportunities, provide valuable insights, and connect you with mentors who can guide your career development.