Welcome Harriet!

Introducing Harriet Brown!

Starting a new job is always daunting – even more so when it’s your first professional role – so we can only imagine what it’s like starting your very first job in the midst of a global pandemic! With so many protocols in place and entire industries scrambling to find a new normal incorporating social distancing and home working, even those of us who are well used to the world of work are finding it strange. Spare a thought then, for the newbies at Denka – one of whom is Harriet Brown, who finished school when lockdown started and took up her first proper job at the beginning of August! We are pleased to report that Harriet has taken to her new Customer Support role like a duck to water and is already a valued member of the team. We grabbed her for a quick chat to get to know her better…

Hi Harriet! Congratulations on your new role and welcome to the team. Tell us a bit more about your responsibilities at Denka…

Hello! And thank you. My job title is Customer Support/Admin, which involves answering the phone, placing online orders, and various admin tasks such as scanning documents and sending invoices. I started on August 3rd and I’m really enjoying it so far, though there’s lots to learn!

How does it feel to be entering the world of work right now?

It’s exciting and daunting all at once! I’ve just finished my A-Levels – I studied French, Business, Accounts and Personal Finance with a view to entering the business world so I’m really keen to start building some practical skills now and to develop myself professionally. In some ways I think the current situation is beneficial because things are changing constantly, which means there are opportunities to pitch in and learn new skills more quickly. On the other hand, the pandemic has created some challenges for our supply chain so I’ve had to learn fast when it comes to ordering alternatives and keeping customers up to date.

What’s your favourite thing about your role so far?

For me it’s learning about the different products that a dentist needs – I didn’t know there were so many or what they were all for! It’s very interesting and I will be more knowledgeable when I next visit the dentist!

What’s the most challenging thing?

Understanding the jargon! Products are called by a lot of different names!

What would you say are the key attributes required to perform well in your role?

I would say efficient task planning, good product & procedure knowledge, and a friendly attitude on the phone.

If you didn’t work at Denka, what would your dream job be?

I don’t really know! I would love to travel the world and experience different cultures and food – maybe a travel writer?

Do you have any hobbies or interests away from work?

I enjoy reading books, and also like cooking (and eating!)

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself that colleagues might not know?

I have learnt French and love speaking it.

Name a food you love that your dentist would disapprove of?

Nutella! And all things chocolate!

What’s the one thing that always makes you smile?

Having a laugh and catch up with my friends.