Thanks to Stephanie Jenkins for taking time to highlight the Dufrainians who inspire her and the company values which she resonates most with. Stephanie is a Senior Consultant based in London who has been with Dufrain since 2022. Read her thoughts below.
1. Tell us a little bit about what you do?
I do quite a wide variety of things, ranging from engineering, business analysis to analytical reporting with a bit of project management thrown in! My main aim is to create functional, actionable insights for our clients and this can be achieved in a myriad of different ways. For the past year I have been primarily focused on the financial reporting side of data, which can be an invaluable asset to any organisation.
2. What do you enjoy most about your job?
The pure variety, since joining Dufrain I have not been on 2 projects that are alike. They have ranged from engineering, business analysis & analytical reporting. Due to the variety each project gives you the same feeling as starting a new job except you have the comfort of being able to fall back onto your employer.
3. What does a typical day look like for you?
Prior to starting work I will walk my dogs, weather dependant. I usually start my work day a little early, as this allows me time to catch up on messages/emails with a cup of tea! After this my day can include project stand ups to assess progress on projects/workstreams, client calls to go over a range of potential topics from issues to new requirements.
In between my meetings I will focus solely on my client work this can include modelling, coding and a range of other tasks. I have a special interest in financial reporting so attempt to dedicate some of my day to increasing my skills/knowledge around this subject. After work I spend time with my family and later on in the evening either do some studying or relaxing!
4. Which of our company values resonate with you the most?
The most likely one would be Inspire, the reasoning behind this is that our ultimate goal is to go onto a client and inspire them within their data journey. As with some support all clients have the ability to have a successful and engaging data enterprise within their organisations. You can discover all of our values here.
5. What would you say has been your most significant achievement or the one you are most proud of whilst working at Dufrain?
This would likely be my move from consultant to senior consultant, I had previously fallen into a pattern of moving roles in order to move up to the next level. Dufrain offered and continue to support me in my career progression within the company.
6. Who inspires you the most within Dufrain?
Now this question is one I can answer quite easily! My inspiration within Dufrain is split into two different streams.
The first person would be Sutha, as prior to joining Dufrain I had no inclination to get into consulting. With his guidance and understanding I have made it to where I am today, he is a constant source of inspiration with his acumen in acquiring new clients and handling difficult situations.
The second person would be Rathi, I view her as an inspiration for women in consulting, she has worked her way up the ladder and tackles projects & tasks head on. She has given me the confidence to know that I can be a mum whilst also having a fulfilling career.
7. Which work benefit or perk is your favourite and why?
Their generous family leave benefits, they are able to turn a time in which you feel uncertain with all the unknowns into a smooth and stress free experience. Whilst allowing you to focus on what is important to you at that time.
8. What’s the best advice you can give to someone who wants to work for us?
Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and open yourself up to new skills and opportunities. I think that the term consultancy can be quite off putting to those with young children due to misconceptions as to how the role actually is. Whereas the reality is much different!
9. What skill do you think everyone should learn?
I could come across as potentially a bit biased here given that I work in data, but I think a skill that everyone should learn is the ability to write in a coding language. It opens up a wealth of possibilities to an individual and can be proven as an invaluable skill no matter what profession you are in.
10. What are some of your favourite things to do outside of work?
I could potentially fib here a little and say things such as taking my young one to soft play or the likes but alas no. Outside of work my partner and I renovate houses and usually live amongst brick dust in the process. Another proportion of my time is spent on studying with the hope of achieving my CIMA in the near future.
Asides from this I am an avid reader and book collector/hoarder, and enjoy a wide range of genres. If after everything else and If I have spare time I like to bake and spend time with my family.
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