Career Talk with Steph Murray
Our Business Manager talks about her career journey and some advice for those starting out.
As students receive their school exam results, it's a time of reflection and anticipation for them and their families. Here at Middleton Ross, we understand the significance of this milestone. We’ve asked our Business Manager, Steph, to share her career journey and offer advice to those thinking about their future.
My career has taken many twists and turns. Leaving school at 17 with my standard grades, I wasn’t sure what path to take. I enjoyed working and had worked in a local shop from the age of 13 during the summer and on weekends. So, although leaving school was daunting, I was fortunate enough to have some experience under my belt. Initially, I considered nursing or childcare, but after exploring both fields, I realised they weren’t the right fit for me.
Eventually, a variety of factors led me to join Lloyds Banking Group when I lived in Glasgow. This marked the beginning of a ten-year career in banking. Starting in digital banking, I specialised in lending and later joined the branch network when I moved back to the Highlands to start a family. During my time in banking, I acquired valuable skills and had the chance to work across different departments. I enjoyed the variety and the opportunity to help customers with their financial goals.
In 2021, my local bank branch was closing, and I opted for redundancy, which led me to apply for the role of Business Manager at Middleton Ross. Although my qualifications didn’t exactly match the job advert, many of my skills did. I successfully joined the firm in June 2021.
At Middleton Ross, my role is dynamic, with each day bringing new challenges and opportunities. The best part of my job is helping our team thrive in their careers. We have a strong culture of support and collaboration, ensuring we deliver the best possible service to our clients. Although I came into this role with no prior experience in the legal sector, I was able to adapt my existing skills to meet the demands of the position. I’ve also received tremendous support from my colleagues, which has been instrumental in helping me grow and shape my role into what it is today.
The best advice I can offer someone starting their journey after school is to be open to change. Your initial plans might shift, and that's perfectly fine. Embrace new paths, learn from every experience, and stay resilient. Challenges will arise, but a positive attitude and resilience will help you overcome them.
