We couldn’t quite believe that someone with a degree in Radiotherapy and Oncology could become a Project Manager, but when we met Lucy Smith from Sainsbury’s her career story made perfect sense.

With a love of working with people and a passion to deliver fantastic service, it was clear from our first few minutes of chatting that Lucy that the skills she gained as part of her degree were wholly transferable to the six-year career she has created at Sainsbury’s.

Lucy was working part-time at Sainsbury’s whilst studying and once she had completed her degree, she decided she wanted to do something a bit different. After deciding to apply for the Sainsbury’s graduate scheme and being accepted, Lucy has undertaken a huge variety of roles from Store Manager at a convenience store in Sheffield, to working with the Digital and Technology teams at one of Sainsbury’s Store Support Centres. Now, as a Project Manager, Lucy is responsible for supporting 45,000 colleagues across the South of England and works directly with the Zone Director South and the Head of HR for the zone.

Her focus is on managing projects that help improve business processes as well as enhancing both the customer and colleague experience. In her time as a Project Manager Lucy has worked on building applications for the team to use in store, as well as customer experience projects that help shape and improve the shopping experience.

There are many great ways to take the lead on personal and professional development at Sainsbury’s and Lucy shared that as well as some great guest speakers on subjects like mental health, there are also some fantastic ways to improve your skills.

Lucy thinks the most important piece of advice for someone thinking about taking a similar path to her is to take every opportunity that arises. She also credits her success to spending time with instore colleagues, not only do they have lots of great experience they are also very close to the customers they are all so passionate about.