At Shortlist, we love building and growing our team as much as we love building yours. In this edition of our Shortlister Spotlight series, (a Q&A series to get to know more of our team members), meet Sarah Ndegwa, Project Manager in our global executive search team.
1. Tell us about what you do at Shortlist
I’m a Project Manager within the Executive Search practice at Shortlist, leading a team of great Research Associates to execute on C-level searches globally.
2. How has your transition from Recruitment Associate to Project Manager been like for you? What has been different across the different roles you have held?
When I joined Shortlist, I was quite green when it came to recruitment. I joined as a Recruitment Account Associate where I focussed on entry and mid-senior roles which were key to understanding recruitment. Over time I built my skills around niche roles which sharpened my muscle around targeted recruitment which has been really instrumental when I transitioned into a Senior Recruiter role and now a Project Manager role within the Executive Search function.
3. What is your professional background, and what were you looking for in your next career step when you found Shortlist?
I have a background in Psychology and Public Health however I started out my career within Marketing. I was keen on leveraging my Project Management skills hence an Operations role was a perfect fit at the time. With Shortlist I was offered a great opportunity to step into a fast-paced Project Management role.
4. What’s your professional superpower
I have a knack for hard to fill niche type roles. My University research background helped me hone my ability to dig up the best candidates.
5. What keeps you motivated and focused on most days both professionally and personally?
Professionally – I love the thrill of a successful hire and sharing great news with a candidate. I love a good challenge and as a project manager, working on difficult roles keeps me on my toes, because I want to prove myself to MYSELF.
Personally – I have a great support system around me and I appreciate having them check on me regularly. I’m motivated to continuously inspire them.
6. What’s your favourite Shortlist value and why?
Own it – It’s more than just doing your work. It’s seeing something that needs to be done and getting up to do it. Being prepared to step up to the opportunities that present themselves to take on more. And most importantly, drive for excellence at all times – don’t share work for the sake of it, take some time to make sure you are proud of the end product.
7. What are three words you would use to describe Team Shortlist?
Dynamic, Driven, Happy
8. Why is the Shortlist mission important to you and what makes Shortlist different from other organizations?
We want to make finding your next adventure less stressful. The process is simple and transparent and there’s a human touch to it. We also want to be an advisory partner to our clients by helping them move away from traditional methods of recruitment and embracing modern and more efficient systems.
9. Outside your role as a project manager, what do you like to do outside of work?
Surprise surprise…… I love cooking. I’m currently loving experimenting with new recipes and recently started a vegan diet. My guilty pleasure, however, is binging on crime TV shows – Investigative and procedural shows are a fave!
10. If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Rice and Beans
11. When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Super traditional….I wanted to be a doctor – A paediatrician to be specific.
12. If you were to swap places with one person for a day, who would it be and why?
Megan Markle – She’s a great blend of being someone who’s had great opportunities, but at the same time has managed to remain so grounded.
13. Best career lesson you’ve received/ learnt so far?
Don’t find a job, find a boss. The reason why: A boss is one of the biggest influences on your career trajectory. You can have a great job but without a great boss, that‘s all it will be – a good job, but with a great boss, you can tap into your greatest potential and achieve so much more in an ordinary job.
14. Final words?
When you can’t control what’s happening, challenge yourself to control how you respond to what’s happening, that’s where your power is.
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Stay tuned for our next Shortlister spotlight feature to read more about the amazing team at Shortlist. Join the Shortlist community to stay up to date with opportunities available, within Shortlist as well as our partner organizations.
Have you had the opportunity to take on a role outside your field of study? Please share some of your key learnings with us in the comment section.
If you’re in the process of building your team, talk to us about your requirements for a tailored recruitment solution to suit your business needs.
