From Grad to Consultant: My First Months at Ziipline
How It All Started
Starting a new job as a student straight out of uni is always a mix of excitement and nerves, and joining Ziipline as a Graduate Technical Consultant was no different. After completing my Master’s in Computer Science at the University of Southampton, I was eager to dive into the world of Salesforce and digital transformation. I didn’t know exactly what to expect, but I knew I had landed in the right place from day one.
The grad scheme is thoughtfully designed for anyone new to Salesforce consulting. It has helped me learn the basics of Salesforce effectively while also contributing to real-life project work. The balance between learning sessions and project tasks has been key to my development, and looking back, I’m amazed at how much I’ve picked up in just a few months.
A Week In My Life At Ziipline
Each week during the grad scheme is structured into two parts:
1. Grad sessions: Led by senior team members that cover a mix of technical Salesforce topics, commercial awareness sessions, testing and QA walkthroughs, etc.
2. Project work: I take on tickets/tasks, contribute to my workstream and apply what I’ve learned in real-world scenarios
At first, I shadowed my teammates, learning about the project and watching how they interacted with clients in sprint show-and-tells. But before I knew it, I was given tasks of varying complexity and quickly became an active part of the team.
What really helped was the incredible support system—my senior teammates are always happy to guide me, debug issues with me, and answer any questions. There’s no such thing as a “stupid question” here, and that’s made a massive difference in my learning.
The Value Of Good Mentorship
A big part of my growth has been my weekly catch-ups with my mentor, discussing progress, setting goals, and keeping me on track. Having a mentor is so valuable no matter what stage you are in your career. This structured support has been crucial in shaping my journey.
Learning Curves And Little Wins
One of my biggest challenges as a new grad has been – Time Management. Balancing Salesforce certifications, project work, and grad activities takes serious organisation and discipline! I’ve had to improve my prioritisation of tasks, manage my calendar effectively, and keep my team informed to avoid bottlenecks. It’s all about balance and trusting that the little wins add up.
Soft Skills You Don’t Learn In Class
As a graduate consultant, I’ve developed soft skills I didn’t even realise I needed. Explaining a technical concept to someone who isn’t technical is not as easy as it sounds. Knowing when to keep pushing through a problem versus when to ask for help is a skill I will probably learn with time.
I have realised that “consulting” isn’t about finding the right answers or the perfect solutions, rather knowing how to communicate them effectively.
The Ziipline Vibe
One thing that stands out the most at Ziipline is the culture. From day one, it’s been clear that this is a place where people actually enjoy what they do and who they do it with.
The team is supportive, always up for a laugh, and genuinely invested in each other’s growth. And outside of work, there’s always something happening, whether it’s a run club session, a spin class, a hike, or a pub-quiz club meet-up, there’s no shortage of ways to get involved.
So far, one of my favourite experiences has been our Volunteer Time Off (VTO) Days. As part of our 1% Pledge, we take a break from work to support a charitable cause together. It’s a great way to give back; honestly, it’s just as much fun as it is meaningful. Who knew we could be so competitive about fundraising?
Final Thoughts
The past five months have been a whirlwind of learning, adapting, and figuring things out as I go. If I’ve learned anything, asking questions, staying curious, and getting stuck are the best ways to grow. Every day brings new challenges, and that’s what keeps it exciting.
Looking back, it’s crazy how quickly I’ve gone from observing to actively contributing. There’s still plenty to learn, but with such a supportive team around me, I know I’m in the right place. Here’s to more challenges, more wins, and less frantic Googling!
Dear Future Grad
If you’re thinking about joining a grad scheme, go for it! Don’t be afraid to ask “obvious” questions; it’s all part of the learning process. Embrace every challenge, big or small, and be ready to step out of your comfort zone.
The people you work with will make all the difference, so choose a place where you feel supported. The most important advice, and one I need to remind myself often, is to enjoy the journey. You’ll learn a lot more than you expect in a short time!
And hey, if you are interested in joining Ziipline as a graduate consultant, our 2025 grad scheme applications are now open!
I’m happy to connect if you want to hear more about my experience or have questions about applying. Sometimes hearing someone else’s story is exactly what helps you decide on your own next step.