Talent Specialist Review

I work in learning and development and focus on the talent arm of L&D, which is helping to create competency frameworks and looking at ways to build the talent pipeline for the business. This is really exciting to be apart of as the company is so diverse, with so much talent in every department it's just understanding which Booking.com tools are most appropriate and will be most beneficial to the person and the company.

So many. Since joining Booking.com everyday I have had the opportunity to develop my technical and behavioral skills in a really meaningful way for my role and my ambitions. There are so many chance and resources to help with develop new skills and having the chance to complete this apprenticeship is yet another way to develop myself even further. Learning the theory behind the work we do is incredibly helpful and helps me to improve my ways of working and look at other improvements that can benefit the team.

I'm just about to complete the end point assessment and the experience has been great. Hard work but, great. The tutor who runs the workshops is great and really knowledgeable. Also, meeting the other apprentices who are on the programme is helpful as you can understand other ways of working and share best practice. Getting back into the habit of completing essays is quite challenging but, my manager is really supportive if I need time to complete this or to provide advice and guidance.

We are given our timetable on our first day and any sessions I can't attend there's the opportunity to attend another session in another location. The skills coach arranges our next meeting at the end of the session, so it means I can plan my diary accordingly. The support provided from BookingGo so far has been great as well as my manager has been involved at every stage and I have been given a mentor to provide support as well.

So much. There is support at every step from when I was thinking about the apprenticeship to regular checks in to make sure everything is going as planned. I was given the information I needed at the start and I understand where I can go for support for my personal development and also for my role. Everyone in the team is also really supportive and willing to help me with any shadowing or challenging projects I'm completing that's aligned to my apprenticeship.

My tutor is great, in the workshop she answers any questions I have in a way I understand. She also encouraged us to send a draft of our essays before we have to send in the final copy. The skills coach is also, really helpful and he arranges regular meetings and invites my manager along as well. It's clear to see from their portal where to go for help and they are always really responsive if I need any help.

The qualification will (hopefully) help me to gain a deeper understanding of why we do things and look for improvements where possible. It has also helped me grow in confidence so I can contribute more in team discussion as I have the understanding to back up my ideas. This is also true for other meetings outside my team. The modules that are covered in the apprenticeship are extremely relevant to my day to day work and I have been working with my manager to see what else I can involved in that aligns to modules coming up. I have found that really helpful for my understanding to actually see it in practice.

Being such a diverse workplace there's is something for everyone and if there isn't you have the opportunity to set something up! There are also some really amazing events that everyone from BookingGo is encouraged to go to which is a good chance to meet people from other departments. As a team we also have lots of social activities and everyone always gets involved. I have also have the opportunity to visit the Booking.com head office in Amsterdam to meet people who ordinarily I would have only spoken to over VC or email.

Yes

It really is (in my opinion) the best place to work. I've never worked in such an inclusive place where everyone is aligned and committed to our values and visions. If there is anything that is highlighted as a problem the leadership team listen and are responsive. The opportunity and support provided is second to none and as an apprentice I feel like a really valued team member.

Do it and just be yourself! It's a really open minded and inclusive company so if they can see you have a true passion for the role, are determined to succeed and have the experience they are looking for you're bound to be in for a good chance!