Business gurus - Having it all
You've seen them interviewed on TV but how did they get to the top of the career ladder? Totaljobs talks to hotshots in business and public life to get the lowdown on their career to-date and discovers what graduates should look for in their first job.
Dianne Thompson, CEO Camelot Group
French and English degree from London University
First job
Marketing Trainee, Co-operative and Wholesale Society
WOW factor
Don't be afraid to take guidance from talented people around you - and when you progress upwards don't be afraid to employ people that may be better than you.
OWW factor
When Channel Five was launching I got to the final two for job of Marketing Director. I really wanted it. I didn't get it. David Brooks did and he did a phenomenal job. If I had taken that job though, then I may not be where I am today, as chief executive of Camelot.
Alternative career
Lawyer
When I grow up I want to be a...
A ballet dancer. Until I got to about 12 and realised that I would never be tall enough!
Barbara Stocking CBE, Director of Oxfam GB
Natural Sciences degree from Cambridge University
First job
Staff Officer, National Academy of Sciences, Washington DC. I was only 23, it was a fantastic job and I was given enormous responsibility.
WOW factor
Do what you are good at and what you enjoy. I had to keep trying to get into international development. Eventually I succeeded and it made it possible for me to do what I am doing now.
OWW factor
After five years' in the US I wanted to return to the UK. I came back to a research job which was a way back in but really did not play to my strengths.
Alternative career
Doctor. I almost changed at university when I felt it was a possible career for me.
When I grow up I want to be a...
A teacher - I didn't know of all the other opportunities then.
Crispin Davis, CEO of Reed Elsevier
History degree from Oxford University
First job
On a P&O cruise ship during a gap year. I stuck to the big brands and joined the marketing department of Proctor and Gamble after graduation. I thought it was the fastest and best route into general management.
WOW factor
Join the best quality company you can. It will give you an excellent initial training. If all goes well, you're well placed to progress, and if not, you will be well placed to make a better move.
OWW factor
When at Guinness things were not quite clicking, the fit wasn't right.
Alternative career
Gardener. Plants can't argue back and there are no emails in the garden.
When I grow up I want to be a...
A surgeon. I loved doing things with my hands and was interested in medicine. I went off the idea when I realised there was an endless stream of exams.
Lord Turner, Vice Chairman and Senior Adviser at Merrill Lynch; Chairman of the Pensions Commission.
History and Economics degree from Cambridge University
First job
Pump attendant aged 16. First permanent job post university was with the corporate planning department at BP.
WOW factor
Do a first job that interests you, that stretches you, and which will help you get somewhere you would like to be in five years' time. Don't worry too much about where the path leads beyond that.
OWW factor
I devoted too much energy to dotcom ventures in the 2000 hype.
Alternative career
Party politics, but I turned out to be no good at sticking to the party line of any one party.
When I grow up I want to be a...
Prime Minister
Sir Richard Branson, CEO and founder of Virgin; 9th in the Sunday Times Rich List 2006
Degree: The University of Life
First job
Set up a school newspaper at 15 and sold advertising from the school phone.
WOW factor
I never get the accountants in before I start up a business. It's done on gut feeling, especially if I can see that they are taking the Mickey out of the consumer.
OWW factor
Hot air balloonist; producer of alternative energy source
When I grow up I want to be a...
An editor or a journalist. I wasn't really interested in being an entrepreneur, but I soon found I had to become an entrepreneur in order to keep my magazine going.
For more information on getting a new graduate job, take a look at our graduate advice pages.
