Why Should Graduates Join Enterprise?
Jack Longton is an Assistant Manager at Enterprise Rent-A-Car. He spoke to us about why he believes that Enterprise is the place for Graduates to go:
Hello! My name is Jack Longton and I work for Enterprise Rent-A-Car. I attended Manchester Metropolitan University and studied Business Management (BA Hons). I started on Enterprise’s Management Training Programme in June 2019 in the North West of England, I had experience at two branches and was then promoted to be an Assistant Manager. I have recently been promoted to Assistant Manager of the Manchester International Airport branch.
When in university, were you out to your university friends and/or your teachers? If yes, how important was that for you?
When I studied at University, I was out to all my friends, family and teachers. I came out when I was about 18, although wish I had come out sooner! I think it is so important to live a life without hiding who you truly are, and my advice to anyone who is thinking about coming out is - just do it! I felt so much more confident and happy. I know from personal experience that it is sometimes hard to come out to your peers & family but it is becoming so much easier and you will find so many people who care for you regardless.
Have you ever experienced discrimination from your fellow students and/or teachers?
I was very lucky to not receive any discrimination from peers or teachers. However, I think it is so important to recognise that some students do receive discrimination and if any of my friends or peers were discriminated against, it was important to me to speak up and reach out to make sure they were ok.
Do you feel your university supported LGBTQ+ students?
I do feel like my university supported LGBTQ+ students in the form of societies and committees, although I wish I had got more involved with them whilst I was there. If you are at university, I would encourage you to join the LGBTQ+ committee, get involved in events and develop a network to help you gain confidence, friends and peers that will help you in your life; both professionally and socially.
Do you feel that your university prepares you for what is to come as a future professional and a member of the LGBTQ+ community?
University, I believe, prepares you as a professional person regardless if you are LGBTQ+ or anything else! I think you must own your own sexual orientation because that is what makes you, you. To be a professional and a proud LGBTQ+ member, you must have confidence to wear that badge and be proud to showcase our diverse community in sectors that may not have a lot of LGBTQ+ members. University definitely gave me the confidence to proudly be involved in LGBTQ+ initiatives in my work and to be a role model for future leaders in business.
How optimistic are you about LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace?
LGBTQ+ inclusion is something that I am so passionate about in the workplace. The more diverse your workforce is, then you get better questions, insights, experiences and a sense of progression. In business today, more and more companies are realising this fact. Whilst I have been at Enterprise, I have seen so many initiatives, events, and committees representing our community and they are only getting bigger and better. The more we have conversations and ideas around LGBTQ+ inclusion in business, and the more people we involve, then I believe that we all should be optimistic on only increasing inclusion in the workplace. I want companies to make genuine and effective choices to make sure that the LGBTQ+ community is heard and put achievable goals and actions in place to ensure progress is being made. I am optimistic about LGBTQ+ inclusion, as long as we have the platforms to make our voices heard.
Are you out in your new job? If yes, was that the case from the start?
Yes, I am proudly out in my new job! From the start, I have been out and proud and I think that is important. Of course, some people choose not to come out to their workplace through a sense of being treated differently. However, I suppose I am lucky that in at Enterprise being LGBTQ+ is celebrated rather that discriminated against. That is why is it so important for organisations to ensure inclusion is at the heart of policies.
How did you first come out at work and to who?
I remember in my first branch dropping into conversation that I have a boyfriend and genuinely the whole team treated me no differently. Luckily, Enterprise has a diverse workforce although I would like to see more LGBTQ+ members join!
In your opinion, how connected is coming out while in university to being out in the workplace?
Huge! Coming out and standing for who you are is a choice that is hard to make for anyone regardless of how confident you are a person. Whilst at university, I got used to telling people I was gay and realised that so many people embraced that part of me and I had so many nice experiences. I also think that it prepared me for people who may not receive it well and it gave me experience to handle those situations better. The more exposure you have to sharing that part of you to more people, then the more confident you become in new settings with new people.
Do you feel inspired by an LGBTQ+ role model? If yes, please state their name and why they have inspired you.
Billy Porter is definitely someone that I think is a great role model for our community. If you haven’t watched Pose yet, watch it! Not only does he actively promote issue that face many gender identities but other diversity strands too.
Before applying for a job, do you check their Diversity and Inclusion policies?
Yes, this is always a good idea. I had a look at the awards given to organisations for their inclusion policies too. It is good to look at not only LGBTQ+, but how other communities/people are represented in the company too. For example, an organisation with awards for female leadership, BAME etc. These are all good signs to show that they care for varied communities and make effort to be inclusive to a broad spectrum of people. And a good indication that you will feel comfortable in that company. Perhaps also look at a company’s values and see how you identify with them. I certainly did and made my decision based on a company that values a diverse team and listens to their staff.
Are there any LGBTQ+ networks within your organisation? If yes, are you an active member?
There is a LGBTQ+ committee which I represent for my area in the North West of England. I recently attended Birmingham Pride with Enterprise and that was so much fun! I try to be vocal in my abilities to showcase LGBTQ+ members and want to get involved in more events too.
Are you excited to switch from a student to a professional? Has your organisation made it easy for you?
My transition from student to professional was aided by working throughout university. I think a key point when leaving university and then going into a professional career is to really think about the type of life that you want to lead in the future. How does that look and what can you do to facilitate the best version of yourself (whilst being your true self). I don’t think you should change yourself to fit into an organisation, but rather take your values and personality and create a professional version that you can perform to the best you can be.
From your experience so far, do you have any advice to share with students before they go into the workplace?
Be yourself, be confident and always listen to experienced people. You need to showcase your best version of yourself and make an impact from day one! Importantly, help others and pay forward the kindness you receive.
