"Enterprise Prides Itself on Championing Diversity and Inclusivity, Which Has Been a Breath of Fresh Air From the Beginning of My Career"; An Interview With Tommy King

Tommy King studied Comedy Writing and Performance at the University of Salford and is currently an Assistant Manager at Enterprise.

When in university were you able to be 'out' to your university friends and/or your teachers?

Thankfully, yes. I don’t think there was ever a time at university when I ‘came out’ which, I know, makes me very fortunate. I feel that coming out is one of the most daunting experiences for anyone in the LGBTQ+ community. The thought of having to do that all over again at university is almost petrifying. I don’t think anyone ever asked about my sexual orientation; I think people just assumed because I was very ‘out’ and proud, which is fine.

Do you feel your university supported LGBTQ+ students?

It did. I spent my whole three years at university as a bar supervisor at the Salford Students’ Union, so I was aware of everything the union was doing to support LGBTQ+ initiatives.

Do you feel that your university prepares you of what is to come?

I think university does prepare you for what is to come as a future professional. I studied comedy, so I think I was as prepared as I could be to jump into the comedy industry, but you can’t just kick start a career in comedy immediately. It’s more of a hobby now, which is just as great.

I don’t, however, think university can prepare you as to what it’s like as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. We have to work that out for ourselves, with the support of our friends and family. Enterprise is my first proper career and it’s given me the opportunity and support to develop into a young professional.

How optimistic are you about LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace?

I am very optimistic about LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace. Enterprise prides itself on championing diversity and inclusivity, which has been a breath of fresh air from the beginning of my career. I am now the Head of the LGBTQ+ Committee for North West England, which is fantastic because I get to listen, learn and develop myself and others.

Are you 'out' in your new job?

I am out in my new job. Similar to my university experience, I don’t think there was ever a time where I had to out myself as such. At the first branch I joined, as a Management Trainee, I had a gay Branch Manager, which worked out very well. I have had support from day one, that and the accepting culture Enterprise has created are the reasons I’m still here.

In your opinion, how connected is coming out while in university to being out in the workplace?

For me, it is not really connected. I understand that this is not the case for everyone. I am very fortunate in this regard. However, I think university is the final stage in your life that is building you up for the real world. Being out and being yourself at university is so important because you’re at the final stages of personal development, meeting people you’ve never met before and getting ready to find your feet. It’s the perfect time to be out, in my opinion.

Do you feel inspired by any LGBTQ+ role model?

I’m inspired by a lot of LGBTQ+ people. I could list several celebrities that inspire me, but they don’t inspire me as much as my work colleagues. My first Branch Manager inspires me daily for being so fierce, supportive, down to earth and a great friend. Ashley Hever, the Director of Talent Acquisition at Enterprise, inspires me by reminding me every day that my sexual orientation will not hold me back in getting where I want to be. Paul McCorkell, Enterprise’s Director of Business Rental for the UK and Ireland, inspires me because he believes in me, he supports me on a daily basis from 300+ miles away (we’ve only actually met once). They all inspire me, and my mission is to have that impact on my colleagues.

Before applying for a job, do you check their Diversity and Inclusion policies?

When looking for jobs, if I found a company I wanted to work for, I would make sure the job was what I was looking for and then Google the company name with buzzwords like ‘LGBTQ+’ and ‘diversity’. It was amazing how many results came up for Enterprise on their careers blog. This year Enterprise offered me the opportunity to contribute to their careers blog, which shows how important this is to them.

Are there any LGBTQ+ networks within your organisation?

Enterprise has plenty for the LGBTQ+ community. I am Head of the LGBTQ+ Committee for North West England. There is an active committee in every part of the UK and Ireland. We regularly meet in our European Head Office and discuss what more we can do. We are always looking at ways to improve, be more supportive and make our workplace even more inclusive and diverse.

Are you excited to switch from a student to a professional? Has your organisation made it easy for you?

I left university with a first-class degree in Comedy and Enterprise has transformed me into the professional I am today, through its constant support and dedication to development, both personally and professionally.

WHat advice would you give students about to enter the workplace?

When I left university, I think I was experiencing what can be called ‘post-university depression’. The overwhelming feeling of emptiness, when you’re thrown into the real world and don’t know where to start. I can’t tell you it will get easier, but it does get better. Throw yourself out there. Apply to any and every company that you think you suit you because you’re the most important person here, and any company would be lucky to have you!