Zaheer Hussain

Location: Birmingham
Business Unit: BT Global Services
Joined: September 2005

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Before I started at BT, I worked at a mobile phone shop. I reckon this really helped me get my Apprenticeship here as I'd had plenty of experience dealing with customers, and I talked about it quite a lot in my interview.

Now, I'm in the Order Management Team, taking and processing orders from schools for things like broadband. Before then I worked on the Faults Team, dealing with customers who rang up with any problems. So my previous experience has been useful for both these things, too. But speaking to customers on the phone representing BT, rather than face to face in a shop is pretty different. It's not so much 'you alright mate?', more 'how can I help you, madam'. It's definitely more professional here.

To be honest, the money is quite important. But rather than doing something really boring just for the money, I'm more into being enthusiastic and proud about what I do.

And I am. For example, I've been chosen to go on the BT Challenge Africa expedition to Kenya, where we'll donate equipment like laptops and set up internet connections so children can carry on their education beyond the age of 13. I like the idea of being part of something that makes a difference to people's lives. And from my own point of view, I'm proud of getting picked - it made me realise you really can get recognised if you work hard, whatever age you are.