Working at Alpha One - What it’s like
Have you ever wondered what it is like working at Alpha One? We asked Alex Lu to share his experience working at Alpha One through his roles as an administrator and finance manager.
How did your journey with Alpha One start, and how has it evolved over time?
I started at Alpha One in 2021 as an administrator when the company was still in its early stages. This was my first ‘real’ job out of high school, and I initially approached it as a way to earn money while in university, without any long term aspirations. At the time, the company was still working to establish effective systems and processes, and my role involved handling the daily tasks typical of an administrative position. However, as I became more involved, I recognised the unique opportunity to learn and grow alongside Alpha One.
The turning point in my journey came when I identified an opportunity to improve the company’s spreadsheets and models, aligning with what I was studying at university. By automating tasks and enhancing workflows, I was able to save significant manpower, allowing administrators to focus on more important and engaging responsibilities. As Alpha One grew, so did my responsibilities. My role has evolved from focusing on day-to-day tasks to playing a part in ensuring the company’s continued growth and stability. This journey has been incredibly rewarding, as I’ve grown professionally while contributing to Alpha One’s success.
What has your experience been like working at Alpha One Coaching College? Are there any particular moments or achievements that stand out for you?
Working at Alpha One has been an incredibly rewarding experience, where I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with a dynamic and motivated team. When I first joined, the company had the energy and culture similar to a startup, which has since evolved into a more structured and efficient environment. A few moments that stand out for me include my involvement in streamlining processes and offering feedback to enhance our day-to-day operations. These efforts not only improved our workflow but also allowed me to grow professionally.
Additionally, participating in various social events over the years has given me the opportunity to connect with my colleagues on a deeper level, learning about their personal goals and aspirations, whether in university, business, or other areas of life. One of my proudest achievements was forming the finance department, which significantly improved the recovery of accounts receivables and eliminated a previously tedious process. This accomplishment not only contributed to the company’s financial health but also reinforced my belief in the importance of innovation and continuous improvement in the workplace.
In what ways has Alpha One contributed to your career development and growth?
Alpha One has played a significant role in my career development, equipping me with skills that have greatly contributed to my growth. One of the key areas of development has been my communication skills, particularly through customer service. I’ve learned how to effectively de-escalate situations and navigate difficult conversations, which has been invaluable in both professional and personal contexts. My time at Alpha One has honed my negotiation and problem-solving abilities, teaching me to thoroughly consider potential flaws in ideas before presenting them.
On the technical side, I’ve gained proficiency in tools such as Excel, Google Sheets, VBA, and Java, all of which align closely with my studies as an actuary. These technical skills have not only enhanced my efficiency at work but have also been highly relevant to my academic pursuits. Moreover, I’ve developed management skills, including time allocation, delegation, and task tracking, which have been key in balancing my responsibilities effectively. Overall, the experience at Alpha One has been significant, providing me with a strong foundation that has significantly boosted my progress in job and internship interviews related to my degree.
How have your various roles at Alpha One contributed to your personal and/or professional development?
I have had quite a number of roles at Alpha One, which have all shaped both my personal and professional development. Starting out as an admin, I gained valuable experience in customer service, which taught me how to manage pressure and effectively de-escalate situations. This is still one of the most useful and crucial skills I have learnt. The friendships I formed with colleagues during this time has also allowed me to create a supportive work environment.
Transitioning into a Finance Admin role, I developed technical skills that aligned closely with my university studies. This role provided me with a deeper understanding of business operations and the importance of applying the theoretical knowledge in my studies to solve real-world problems. It was here that I truly began to appreciate the practical side of my education, and also learnt the importance of sharing innovative ideas no matter what position you are in.
As I moved into the Finance Manager role, I further developed my technical abilities, particularly in automating previous systems to free up more time that could be used elsewhere. This role also required me to step into a leadership position, where I furthered my communication skills, delegation of roles and time management over a longer time horizon.
As a Branch Manager, I developed my interpersonal skills in order to effectively communicate with staff, tailoring my approach to their strengths and weaknesses. This role solidified my ability to keep track of ongoing events, further contributing to my professional growth.
Do you have any advice for individuals who are thinking about applying for a position at Alpha One College?
For those considering applying for a position at Alpha One College, whether on the administrative side or tutoring side, my advice would be to focus on a few key areas that can greatly benefit your experience and growth. First, learning to communicate clearly and directly is crucial. This skill will not only help you succeed in your role but will also contribute to your personal development in other areas of life.
It's also important to have an open problem solving mindset. Identify areas where you think improvements can be made, and take the initiative to address them. Whether you're seeking a casual role or aiming for full-time employment, always strive to enhance the workplace. It will benefit your day to day work, but also improve your growth in the long run. Continuous improvement is key to long term success.
Try to build strong professional relationships with your colleagues. Engage with them and support each other’s growth. You never know what kind of opportunities there are that come from your network.
Ultimately, bring a sense of drive and a desire to expand your professional experience. Be proactive in seeking opportunities to learn and grow, as this will not only benefit your career but also enrich your overall experience at Alpha One.
Alpha One provides staff with the opportunity to advance in areas that align with their university studies such as marketing, accounting, software development, hr etc. Join our team to kickstart your career as a tutor, marker or admin.
