Chris is on his seventh year (and counting) with us at Blue Square and has had a great career journey within our Samsung and HP teams. He’s spent the majority of his journey within our Samsung Training team, until last year when he made the move over to our HP Training team, as a Content and Retail Programs Manager. Having had many years of experience within the world of training in the tech industry, we asked Chris to share a bit about how he’s got to where he is today.
Tell us a bit about your career journey at Blue Square?
In my seven years at Blue Square, I’ve had four different roles within the realms of training and content. Having started as a National Trainer, to now, being a Content and Retail Programs Manager, I’ve learnt a lot about our clients, Blue Square as a business, and myself. This is a glimpse into my journey so far:
- Samsung National Trainer 2018 – 2019
- Samsung Lead National Trainer 2019 – 2022
- Samsung Senior Trainer 2022 – 2024
- HP Training, Content and Retail Programs Manager 2024 – present
How did you gain the experience you needed to progress?
I gained the experience I needed to progress through a combination of hands-on learning, seeking out opportunities for growth, and remaining open to feedback. Early on, I made it a priority to immerse myself in tasks and projects that pushed me outside of my comfort zone, whether by taking on new challenges at work or through self-initiated side projects.
I also actively sought mentorship and guidance from experienced individuals in my field. Their insights not only helped me refine my skills but also gave me clarity about the areas where I needed to improve. Attending workshops, networking events, and pursuing additional training helped me stay up-to-date and build connections with like-minded professionals.
Finally, reflection played a key role – I took time to assess my successes and failures, understanding what worked and what didn’t. By consistently learning and adapting, I ensured that I was steadily moving forward in my personal and professional journey.
What's the most valuable thing you’ve learnt on your career journey at Blue Square so far?
The most valuable thing I’ve learnt so far is the importance of adaptability. No matter how much you plan, things don’t always go the way you expect, and being able to adjust and pivot makes all the difference. Whether it’s picking up a new skill, handling unexpected challenges, or embracing new opportunities, staying flexible has allowed me to keep growing and moving forward.
What’s made you want to stay at Blue Square?
What’s made me want to stay at Blue Square is the culture and opportunities. The team here is incredibly supportive and collaborative, which makes coming to work genuinely enjoyable. I feel like my contributions are valued, and I’ve had the chance to take on meaningful projects that have helped me grow both personally and professionally.
Your top tip for others wanting to progress in their role?
My top tip for progressing in your role is to be proactive. Don’t just wait for opportunities to come your way -go out and seek them. Whether it’s asking for new responsibilities, volunteering for projects, or suggesting improvements, showing initiative demonstrates your commitment and drive.
At the same time, never stop learning. Stay curious and invest time in building your skills, whether through formal training, self-directed learning, or just asking questions. And don’t underestimate the importance of relationships – build strong connections with your colleagues, mentors, and leaders. They can provide support, guidance, and even open doors you didn’t know were there.
If you’d like to be a part of our team, take a look at our current roles here.