Welcome to our Meet the Team blog where we introduce you to some of our fantastic, talented people from across the Adthena business.
We’d like you to meet Jonell Semaganda, our People Operations and Talent Acquisition Apprentice. Jonell joined Adthena in November 2021, straight after studying Psychology at University of Lincoln.
As the first-point of contact, Jonell’s enthusiastic and efficient manner ensures that a high-quality, consistent employee experience is provided to all Adthenians within the organisation. Having become a key player within the People team, Jonell also assists with the growth and development of both the People Operations and Talent Acquisition sectors.
Why did you decide to join Adthena?
Jonell: Whilst at university, I was involved with Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion (DE&I) activities and the recruitment of senior staff at my university. This gave me a glimpse into what it could be like to pursue a career within the People function and this really fascinated me.
I saw the vacancy for a People Operations and Talent Acquisition Apprentice with the opportunity to study an HR level 3 foundation course, which was a key benefit for me personally. So I jumped at the opportunity.
What does your role entail at Adthena?
Jonell: I work in both People Operations and Talent Acquisition teams so my responsibilities are uniquely diverse and range from people admin, hiring coordination, assisting in employee experience projects, job descriptions/advertising and the onboarding and off-boarding of employees.
What are you most excited about implementing at Adthena in your role?
Jonell: I am very excited to work on projects that directly impact the people at Adthena and the team who join us. DE&I projects are top of mind for me, such as developing our family friendly benefits, which is something I am very passionate about.
“DE&I projects are top of mind for me, such as developing our family friendly benefits, which is something I am very passionate about.”
We offer a wide range of benefits for our people, which means the most to you?
Jonell: Untracked annual leave is by far the best perk. I was very intrigued when I originally came across this benefit and even more intrigued when I realised it was implemented. I think it’s really admirable that Adthena trusts its employees enough to allow such flexibility and a healthy work/life balance.
What is the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Jonell: Not to compare yourself to others, especially those who have been working in their field for years – everyone has their own path so work at your own pace. This was very reassuring advice especially as this is my first professional role and so naturally felt quite inexperienced compared to some of my colleagues.
As an Adthenian we live by four values, which one resonates with you the most? – Why?
Jonell: Smart and always improving. I want to learn as much as I can and become the best at my job that I can be. Everyday I get to learn something new, which keeps the role really interesting. My role also allows me to study the HR level 3 foundation course alongside work, which will not only expand my knowledge but also challenge me to keep improving.
Tell us a surprising or a fun fact about you.
Jonell: At heart I do think I’m quite a creative person – so whilst I haven’t picked up a paint brush in a while I would say I am quite good at that. I’m also fluent in German which allows me to connect with various different people within my personal and work life – I hope to be able to use this skill at some point in my career.
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If you’re looking to take the next step in your career, we’d love to hear from you! Check out our current vacancies here & don’t hesitate to reach out to me at luke.stowe@adthena.com.
