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Satisfaction with Work

• "I thoroughly enjoy my job; the people are great, the company treats its people fairly, and the work is enjoyable, varied and never boring! I get to meet new people on a daily basis (either in person or over the phone), and it's part of my job to get to know them and decide whether the programme we offer would be suited to them." -- Academy Recruitment Consultant
• "I remember when I was at university, the media filled your mind with graduate unemployment. The reason I love FDM is we prove the media wrong – we're looking to recruit 1,000 graduates (as a minimum) this year! Being able to help graduates find employment, especially in an industry as tough as the IT one, is a very satisfying part of my job. Whether it's through presentations or direct recruitment, the interaction with enthusiastic graduates is something that as a "people person" I thoroughly enjoy." -- Graduate Events Consultant
• "Fast flowing, busy and growing business, dynamic and funky atmosphere, forward thinking clients. I'm client facing, based in London once a week, so it is a good opportunity to be the finance face with the client." -- Sales Manager
• "I feel very supported in my department and valued by my manager." -- Insider
• "I handle the PR for FDM so I interact with employees and journalists on a daily basis." -- PR Assistant
• "I am extremely satisfied with the level and quality of work I receive. It is varied, interesting and challenging which is good." -- HR Assistant
• "My level of responsibility is rewarding, and the fact that many of my tasks relate directly to how others are paid, both internally and externally, adds importance to a number of my jobs." -- Performance Analyst

• "Work is fine, high targets and a lot of pressure to keep us busy." -- Account Executive
• "Given great opportunities to develop my skills and progress my career within the company, independence to be pro-active in my decisions and work. I get to interact with a variety of people each week, from graduates to careers services to academics." -- Academy Events Consultant
• "I find the work rewarding, with room for promotion." -- Resourcer
• "I am satisfied working in my current position – both with the content of work and the people in my team/office in general." -- Graphic Designer
• "Fantastically diverse across clients and group operations." -- Executive
• "I am satisfied working at the company and enjoy the variety of work I have and that it keeps me busy. It can be stressful at times." -- Marketing Assistant
• "I can honestly say that FDM truly values their employees, providing plenty of opportunities to develop one’s full potential and achieve outstanding success. What I like most about working at FDM is that we (the employees) are not just numbers; we are valued as individuals who all play an important role in the organisation. In addition, FDM has a ‘flat structure’, where despite the different leadership positions everyone can talk to each other as equals. This works particularly well in the open plan working environment, facilitating easy and immediate communication between staff and leaders. Furthermore, FDM hosts regular meetings, informal events, team-building exercises and parties, where all staff can make their opinions known. Working for a fun, sociable company is a real treat – “work hard, play hard” as our CEO always says." -- Marketing Manager

What does your typical day at work involve?

• "Liaising with clients, the sales team and trainers. Reviewing candidates and trainees. Responding to bids and tenders. Management of IT infrastructure." -- Head of Infrastructure
• "No two days at work are the same for me. As the marketing manager at FDM, my role is extremely varied and I oversee all marketing activities and campaigns including organising events, copywriting, advertising, PR, branding and design. My team is spread across the UK, Germany and the USA so I travel a fair bit in order to support every individual in my team." -- Marketing Manager
• "Very varied– may involve organising events, writing news articles for internal intranet, asking consultants to write blogs for the website, creating content for brochures/posters/videos, etc." -- Marketing Assistant
• "Each day is different – I can be in the office co-ordinating the assessment days for our graduate programme, recruiting potential applicants, delivering soft skills workshops or company presentations at universities, attending careers fairs, or meeting careers services and academics. My days are challenging, rewarding and fulfilling." -- Academy Events Consultant
• "Training new graduates and preparing them for on-site roles with our clients." -- Trainer
• "Answering emails, creating and amending artwork for internal sales and marketing personnel, using media such as web, print and pdf. Liaising with printing companies gathering quotations for print jobs. Ordering print supplies." -- Graphic Designer
• "Speaking with clients, discussing work requirements, providing resource choices and keeping up relationships." -- Account Executive
• "Researching and writing press releases." -- PR Assistant

• "Everything – processing starters and leavers. Assisting with daily assessments, running inductions, advising on contract issues et al." -- HR Assistant
• "Presentations, interviews, references, phone calls/email communication, working with statistics, payroll, new projects, trying to make current processes more efficient." -- HR Assistant
• "Processing contracts and compiling performance reports on various departments within FDM." -- Performance Analyst
• "Producing a variety of letters and formal documents, working with team and other staff members on cases, disciplinaries and projects, processing starters and leavers, answering queries, making references, processing payroll and contracts, filing... etc." -- HR Assistant
• "Programme and project management, process control, governance, reporting, mentorship, client interaction, cross division and geographic operations." -- Executive
• "Processing applications and talking to applicants (conducting telephone interviews and promoting the FDM Academy), being on hand to help support the trainees we've already recruited. Helping with various admin duties when necessary." -- Academy Recruitment Consultant
• "No day is ever the same. It's a very fast-paced company with opportunities to learn something new constantly coming your way. My time is mainly split between building relationships with universities in order to raise brand awareness and help the employability of students, and processing graduate applications either through direct recruitment or running assessment centres." -- Graduate Events Consultant

Culture

• "Work hard, play hard. Well structured organisation with formal hierarchy, but able to speak to anyone in the business directly. Great social life and staff socialise together inside and outside of the office." -- Head of Infrastructure
• "This company is very sociable. All of the departments are interlinked and to a certain degree rely on each other to communicate in order to run efficiently. There are a lot of opportunities to socialise outside of work too, day to day and in relation to fundraising events." -- HR Assistant
• "The way our company works is we have our trainee consultants, consultants and then a variety of internal staff in different departments including events, recruitment, account management, HR and operations. FDM are a family-based company and as an employee, you know that you can always turn to anyone in any of the departments to ask for advice and support. There is a "work hard, play hard" culture so everybody really does work hard, but there is a fantastic social life too. In our office, everybody goes for a drink on Friday nights and there are regular social events to get involved in, including football 5-a-side, fun runs and cinema trips." -- Graduate Events Consultant
  "Good team dynamics and people always socialise." -- Academy Events
• "The structure is somewhat flatter than I expected which makes corresponding with those in a higher position easy. I have found it relatively comfortable to talk to the directors and managers about problems and advice, meaning my expected barriers of a hierarchy were removed early on. Employees support each other and are friendly as a result of this structure, and problems are often solved fairly quickly. This also encourages employees to socialise outside of work hours. This has been the case for me since the first week I joined." -- Performance Analyst
• "It is a flat structure company, where all levels of the hierarchy interact and work alongside each other to keep the company moving and functioning. Colleagues support each other, especially within the same areas and teams. Colleagues cover for each other through absences and in busy periods. Employees are always very sociable, going to the pub after work on Fridays, playing football in the evenings and going for lunch together through the week. This is across teams and areas, so people are really able to interact and get to know each other outside the working environment." -- HR Assistant
• "I work in the back office; it is very sales-driven and I think it could be more integrated. Just attended a fun run for the company so it’s good to socialise with people outside work." -- Sales Manager
• "The marketing team is very well structured as are the other teams in the office." -- Graphic Designer
• "FDM has to be one of the most sociable companies to work for. There are lots of events and relationship building with colleagues is really encouraged, whether in the workplace or in the pub after work." -- Insider
• "It is easy to approach/meet with directors and management. Colleagues socialise together at events such as the boat party, sales trip, Christmas party, etc." -- Events Team Lead

• "Flat structure, simple hierarchy with involved board of directors at the top. Very supportive team. Very social – probably too social for our own good." -- HR Assistant
• "FDM has a fun, creative atmosphere that promotes a performance culture. FDM employees are empowered which encourages them and motivates them to do well – because no-one’s hard work goes unrewarded. Progression is rapid at FDM as long as you work hard. I worked my way up to marketing manager within a few years. The same applies to several members of the management team, who started their journey at FDM in junior roles and worked their way up the career ladder. In addition, many events are organised every year, which are all fully funded by FDM. These events include a summer and Christmas party, team building days and networking opportunities. At times, even the CEO joins us at the pub on a Friday evening!" -- Marketing Manager
• "There is a young culture, everyone enjoys a laugh and there are regular catch-ups at lunch time or Friday drinks at the pub – employees regularly socialise together. There is a fairly flat structure and the managers and board of directors sit amongst more junior employees which reduces the feeling of hierarchy – you also see managers and board members at the pub sometimes which creates a unified feeling. Colleagues are supportive and people are prepared to help answer any questions you have." -- Marketing Assistant
• "Everyone in the company knows each other and supports each other as each team relies on one another for the efficiency and success of our business model. Our CEO and directors have an active role within the teams, coming out with us after work and sitting on the sales floor with us. Incentives and morale are high within the company, with regular social and charity events as well as company trips across the UK and worldwide. We are all friends outside work." -- Academy Events Consultant
• "We do socialise together and there is a good culture that involves sport and socialising." -- Account Executive
• "Colleagues are very supportive of each other and socialise together on a regular basis. All staff are very approachable regardless of level of seniority, and although everyone is very busy, the office atmosphere is relaxed as we all feel happy and comfortable working together." -- Academy Recruitment Consultant
• "Sales department is very sociable – (sometimes excessively so imho). Within departments there is much support, there is occasional lack of communication between departments. Employees do socialise together – more so within the same department." -- Trainer
• "Work hard play hard! It is a very young and vibrant atmosphere here at FDM however everyone takes their work seriously and hard work is certainly rewarded. However when we do leave the office we head straight to the pub across the road and become different people. There's definitely a great work/life balance here at FDM which senior staff encourage and appreciate." -- PR Assistant

Relations with Management

• "Management at FDM is involved with staff and is always there to support you. As firm-wide decisions are made, staff are informed and any contribution is always welcome. Your ideas are listened to and can be put forward to the board." -- Graduate Events Consultant
• "One thing I like about working here is that management is very open and easy to talk to. If you have any ideas or want to put forward any suggestions they will always listen." -- HR Assistant
• "Management is very close to the employees within FDM, sitting with their teams and having weekly strategy meetings. Team members openly contribute to decisions and ideas and management welcomes new suggestions to help the efficiency of the company. We also have quarterly team lunches to celebrate our success each quarter." -- Academy Events Consultant
• "I think as the company grows, it's harder for information to filter down, so having all departments involved in the successes is important." -- Sales Manager
• "Most members of senior management are very open to employees’ ideas and opinions. Innovation is encouraged." -- Insider
• "The manager of every department forms part of the FDM management board who meets every month to discuss company strategies, growth and progress. Each manager feeds back to their teams in order to ensure everyone is kept in the loop." -- Marketing Manager

• "Management is always on hand to offer support, however what is great about FDM is the fact that no one is micro-managed. We are given freedom to excel in our various job roles without being crowded. Management is also extremely good at recognising hard work and talent and emails are always flying all over the office to highlight people's accomplishments which I think is great." -- PR Assistant
• "In the decisions which have concerned my department, I have been involved in meetings and discussions and my opinion has been asked. What I liked most was that I was not treated as an inexperienced graduate in these situations. Although actual contribution is limited to the more experienced members of the department/management team, to be included in preliminary discussions adds to the level of responsibility and involvement experienced." -- Performance Analyst
• "As it is a flat structure, management frequently interacts with all levels of staff. Although decisions are made mainly by the board, we are informed of changes when they are made." -- HR Assistant
• "Good information flow, with opportunities to participate." -- Executive
• "General communication from management is good, but there is room for improvement. Contributions are welcomed and taken into account when offered, but there are not always opportunities or platforms to do so – it is mostly done informally." -- Trainer

Career Progression

• "There's great opportunity to move up within the company. As with any job, you need to prove your potential." -- HR Assistant
• "It seems that hard work and longevity are rewarded with promotions, however there are only a limited number of managerial roles due to the flat structure of the company." -- Marketing Assistant
• "How quickly you can move up the ranks depends on what section you are in. In general, there are always training courses and career paths set out from the beginning to allow individuals to improve their skills and gain more responsibilities." -- HR Assistant
• "Most people have moved up the ranks at FDM. As long as you work hard, you will be rewarded through promotions and career progression." -- Marketing Manager
• "Although it varies from department to department, I find it is relatively easy to move up the ranks at work if you put the work in and impress. Senior management does conduct performance reviews and share your achievements with other members of management and directors, which means if you wish to progress you have a much better chance." -- Insider

• "I think FDM will work hard to help you progress if you work hard in return. They offer training and management support." -- HR Assistant
• "I think the non-linear structure means not only can you move up within your department, but you can go across to other fields and this decision will be supported. Many of the top earners at FDM have started as graduates on reception/admin and it seems as though loyalty to the company is rewarded over employing new managers." -- Performance Analyst
• "Relatively easy – internal opportunities are not always advertised and sometimes appointments are made that have not first been advertised internally. More transparency needed in this area." -- Trainer
• "Progression based on drive, enthusiasm and performance. No prizes for just being around a long time." -- Executive
• "Career progression is rapid at FDM as hard work is always recognised. As it is a medium-sized company which is expanding internationally opportunities are greater. The sky is the limit at FDM!" -- PR Assistant

Diversity (women, minorities & LGBT)

• "We are pushing for recruitment of women in IT – in our business and the industry as a whole. This is an issue of the practice as a whole, we have no difficulty approaching and retaining staff from minority backgrounds." -- HR Assistant
• "We are a very diverse company, actively recruiting people from all backgrounds." -- HR Assistant
• "FDM is currently kick-starting a campaign to attract more women to the IT sector." -- PR Assistant

• "The company is very diverse with a wide-ranging ethnic makeup, and sexual orientation is not an issue when employing candidates." -- Marketing Assistant
• "FDM has a diverse workforce, encompassing over 50 nationalities and languages. On the management board over 50% are women which is rare in most organisations and even rarer in the IT sector!" -- Marketing Manager

Offices & Dress Code

• "Suited and booted every day, offices are vibrant, fresh and funky. Facilities are excellent." -- Head of Infrastructure
• "The location of the London office is great in terms of transport and right in the hub of the business district. Dress code is 'corporate' which is appropriate for the business and location." -- HR Assistant
• "The Manchester office (like all our offices) is very centrally based, 5-minute walk away from Piccadilly train station." -- Graduate Events Consultant
• "The dress code is smart, suit wear. A tie is not mandatory. The office is well laid out, providing easy access to every department. The facilities are fine." -- Performance Analyst
• "The dress code is not overly strict, although smart attire is encouraged, especially for those in client facing positions. However, employees are able to dress smartly, but in a modern and stylish way." -- Insider
• "FDM has offices in Brighton, London, Manchester, Frankfurt, Zurich, Luxembourg, New York and Hong Kong. All our offices are state-of-the-art. For instance, our new office in New York is located on the 31st floor (Penthouse Suite) on 14 Wall Street. This was J.P. Morgan's apartment almost 100 years ago and we have kept many of the original features. They are also all within close distance of stations which is handy. The dress code is business wear/smart." -- Marketing Manager
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• "Offices all over the world, three in the UK – all centrally located and great. Dress code – professional – full suit." -- HR Assistant
• "Great location in Brighton. Smart business wear which I like." -- HR Assistant
• "The office I work in is large and has lots of natural light which creates a positive working environment. The location is very convenient, being in central Brighton and also close to the train station for the times we have to travel to the London office. The dress code is fairly corporate, but not too strict – we don't have to wear suits and girls don't have to wear high heels, but we are expected to look well presented at all times." -- Marketing Assistant
• "Offices are located in vibrant cities, such as by the Lanes in Brighton, in the heart of the City of London, on Wall Street in New York and by the central station in Frankfurt. Dress code is smart." -- HR Assistant
• "The dress code is smart. It keeps us in the right frame of mind I think. Our offices are fantastic! London is the best I've seen. It's located in London Bridge and really is impressive. However, we've just opened an office in Wall Street in the penthouse where J.P. Morgan used to live so I think London has competition!" -- PR Assistant
• "Offices are modern, well positioned, convenient, well provisioned. Strict business dress policy (can lose the tie though!)." -- Executive
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