From Graduate to IT Director: Follow Sam's Journey - Rentokil Pest Control South Africa : Job Details

Sam Schrader is the UKIB Region & Corporate Functions IT Director at Rentokil Initial. She first joined Rentokil Initial as a graduate student in the RI Management program in April 2005, where she completed two operational placements before her third placement in our Head Office.

Sam joined the company permanently in a role within the Initial Facilities division and has held 11 roles since, each contributing to her current position. Her career has been supported by formal and informal training, including a Rentokil Initial sponsorship for her Chartered Institute of Marketing Professional Postgraduate Diploma. These experiences helped her understand cross-functional business processes and develop an appreciation for what's important to businesses.

Sam states her roles at Rentokil Initial have been “really useful because I can do a mix of project management and business analysis, which is particularly relevant in this kind of company. I learned how to translate between business and I.T., and that ability to bridge the two has played into pretty much every job I've had since. It's something you learn through experience, not just a qualification.”

When asked about her mentor, she says, “That's a difficult question because that's part of what makes Rentokil a great place to work — you've got so many talented people who are just technically brilliant. I've had some amazing managers who have taught me a lot over the years. It's hard to name just one mentor because I've learned from many colleagues, both directly and indirectly.”

Sam has met many talented colleagues through her journey at Rentokil Initial. She says, “You build a network that becomes invaluable. You work across Finance, Operations, and Marketing. It's a cross-functional business, and having a cross-functional network is key to success here.”

Throughout her various roles, Sam has developed many skills. “One skill drilled into me by several of my managers is the ability to get into the detail of a business requirement or process. I was taught to investigate thoroughly until there's nothing left to chase. Conversely, I've also learned from others to step back and view things holistically. Both perspectives are incredibly useful.

This is just one of many inspiring stories from colleagues at Rentokil Initial. If you're interested, click here to learn more about open roles at Rentokil Initial.

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