If there is anywhere in the world where Jess Munt feels at home, it is at work. It may seem counterintuitive, but Schneider Electric is a company where employees can be themselves — and in Jess’ case — it’s to be the best working parent.
Nearly six years on, Jess is the Early Talent Programme Manager at Schneider Electric. It’s a role that involves scouting for exceptional early talents. Jess thoroughly enjoys it and is always curious about the next cohorts and seeing her recruits thrive in their roles.
We were inspired by her drive and determination to land her dream job. It’s a lesson of patience, and now, Jess is reaping all the rewards.
“I studied the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) qualification part-time in the evenings for a year while in an account manager role at Schneider Electric. I knew I wanted to be in talent acquisition (recruitment), so I proactively reached out to the talent team and offered my assistance. I got to support them by doing things such as running local assessment centers. I was so delighted to be offered a role in the team after six months, I couldn’t be happier!”
Finding your dream job
We asked what it was about recruitment that piqued her interest.
“When I started at Schneider Electric, I knew in my heart that one day I wanted to get into talent acquisition. I loved the idea of helping people find their dream job. My manager at the time supported me so much in setting me up for this role. That’s what I love about working here. You get so much support.”
Speaking of dream jobs, Jess shared how being a new mother was sometimes challenging, but the team at Schneider Electric made the transition back to work effortless.
“I am learning so much in my new role as a mother. It’s so rewarding, but at the beginning, I found it really knocked my confidence. I am grateful for the managers and my team at Schneider Electric because they knew of the challenges I may face and adjustments I would need to make, and are fully supportive. They stress on returning with the right attitude and mindset which is supported by a flexible working environment.”
While Jess is adapting to her new role as a mother, she appreciates how Schneider Electric enables her to do her best both personally and professionally.
“Schneider Electric has allowed me to be a great mother and also just to be myself. It’s amazing and I feel very grateful for the leadership here, especially the support for working parents.”
Pivoting the recruitment process
Assessment centers are usually run face-to-face; however, Jess and the team had to switch gears and turn the whole process digital. Jess is delighted with how things turned out, which resulted in a fantastic candidate experience. The general feedback was candidates were blown away because they felt seen and heard — a big goal for any recruitment campaign.
“I recruit apprentices and support with graduate recruitment. I also manage the apprentice and graduate programs. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, we ran digital assessment centers . Despite it being so new and a logistical challenge, it was well received and a great candidate experience which is so much more than we could ask for.”
Jess explained a little more about the assessment center process and how she and the team had to switch things almost overnight.
“The recruitment process involves an initial online assessment. Once successful, applicants go through a gamification tool which further helps with the screening process.”
Jess says that early talent can struggle for opportunities— especially since they do not come with varied work experience, but this is something Schneider Electric take into careful consideration. She says it’s excellent how Schneider Electric recognizes this challenge and offers opportunities to set early career candidates up for success.
“Seeing people grow and develop their confidence is so rewarding. I feel honored to work for a company that values the contribution of young people and early-career employees.”
All for a great cause
Outside of work, Jess is passionate about raising money for great causes. In the past, she has run for a local hospice and raised three thousand pounds for charity.
“I enjoy anything fitness related. Raising money for charity keeps me going. I want to be that role model for my little girl and I try to lead a healthy lifestyle. The flexibility at Schneider Electric makes it all possible and it helps that the business also encourages us to lead a healthy life both physically and mentally, which is especially important during the pandemic.”
“Personally, I feel fortunate to be a part of such a company which takes full responsibility for its people, vision and values. I am grateful for the flexibility I have as a working parent and I feel lucky enough to be able to press on with my life as a mum whilst not forgetting to be Jess as I continue to develop my career.”
Jess shares some final words of wisdom, and says it is to always be true to yourself. At least that’s what you can do here at Schneider Electric.
Keep up to date
Want to keep on top of emerging trends, news and events? Subscribe to our monthly Women at Work email.
