Starting off in the Croydon SELT test centre as a Team Leader and eventual Centre Manager, Valerie transitioned to the main business and is now one of our much appreciated Exam Delivery Managers. She tells us what it's like to progress her career with Trinity and the opportunities she has made her own.
I'm currently working as an Exam Delivery Manager in the Written Papers team within the Customer Success department. Before joining Trinity, I worked as a proactive sales manager for the luxury events brand in the City. I had always dreamed of working in education, but for a long time I wasn’t sure I would ever have the chance to make that change.
The pandemic played a big part in encouraging me to rethink my career path, and in 2021 I took a leap and applied for a Team Leader role at one of the SELT centres. It was a step down in seniority, but I felt strongly that it was the right direction for me. My background in people management, customer service and organisation helped me secure the role.
Starting again in a completely different industry was daunting, not because of the job itself, but because everything around it was new: the environment, the goals, the values. Still, I was determined to learn, grow and contribute. After gaining confidence and mastering the role, I was promoted to Centre Manager. A little over a year later, a Senior Coordinator position opened in the Written Papers team. I applied because I wanted to broaden my experience, work in a hybrid environment and understand more about the wider organisation. As the company and departmental structure evolved, I eventually moved into my current role as Exam Delivery Manager.
In less than four years, I’ve had the opportunity to step into four very different roles - each one requiring new skills, adaptability and a willingness to learn quickly. What I’ve learned along the way is that development isn’t just about promotions; it’s about movement. It’s about being willing to step into the unknown, to challenge the doubts that say “I don’t have the skills” or “I won’t be able to do this.” Skills can always be learned. What matters most is curiosity, openness and the drive to keep growing.
I truly believe Trinity offers real opportunities for development and progression. One of our newer values - Impact - resonates strongly with me. I see it reflected in the way our goals are shaped not only to support our candidates, but also to empower and uplift our colleagues.
“Skills can always be learned. What matters most is curiosity, openness and the drive to keep growing.”