DCG Success Stories

Business development and marketing assistant, Freya McNee, loves her job with Midlands’ solicitors firm, Smith Partnership.

Described as bright and bubbly by her employer, the 19-year-old former Derby College business student, joined the firm three months ago and has adapted well to office life.

However, Freya wasn’t always so confident. Unhappy and underachieving at school, she was unsure what to do next until DCG suggested she took level 2 business administration.

She said: “The tutors were amazing, I found the college environment so friendly, and I loved the course content, which covered business finance, enterprise and marketing.

“I also got the chance to take my English and Maths GCSEs, which I’d missed doing earlier in my education.”

In her new role, Freya works across the law firm’s five offices.

She helps out on reception, assists with reports, plans events and has regular contact with customers, clients, service providers and suppliers.

Claire Twells, Partner and Head of Debt Recovery at Smith Partnership Solicitors, who interviewed Freya for the role said: “Freya’s worked in retail before, not in an office, but she’s adapted so easily to her new working environment.

“She is bright, bubbly and friendly and she learns quickly. She’s customer-focused and confident and she’s already learnt legal words, which at times can seem like a different language.

“Within just three weeks of me approaching Carol Dixon, DCG’s Director of Employer Partnerships, when looking for a business student to fill this role, we’d appointed Freya.

“We will definitely contact the college again when looking for office staff.”