Dr Peter Long is currently a Joint Chief Executive of TUI Group, the world's largest tourism company. In 2013, he was appointed President of the Family Holiday Association, a UK-based charity which provides short breaks away from home for more than 2,000 disadvantaged families. In 2015 he became a Chairman of Royal Mail.
He visited Bournemouth University in October to deliver a career workshop as part of STEEP (Student Talent Employability Engagement Programme), a unique programme from BU to provide students with an opportunity to develop their employability skills through workshops and events, and helping to secure their first graduate role.
Dr Peter Long started the workshop with the story of his career journey. He recalled that moment when was unemployed. He asked himself, "I haven't got a job now. What Am I going to do?". His answer to his own question was "I set up my own company."
As a successful businessman, Dr Long has important advice to students who are currently preparing themselves to apply for their first job.
How to Choose Your Employer:
- Go for a growing sector
- Join a growing company
- Think about the advantage & disadvantage of the industry you choose
- Ask yourself: Would you like to work for small or big company? Domestic or international? Customer facing company or not?
- Do sincere & serious research. You should think & understand about the company's strategy and form opinion & interesting questions about the business
Before the Interview:
Dr. Long has some tips on how you can prepare yourself for the interview,
"Take a long look at yourself at the mirror and you have to be able to explain to yourself, the best of yourself & the true self of yours. Don't try to be someone else, integrity is very important not just in the business but in life."
Rehearse. Rehearse. Rehearse. Practice the interview with your friends. ​
Fundamental question to ask yourself before the interview:
What is the key experiences I have had so far? Who are the key people who have a meaningful contribution in my life? How my private passion connects to my professional interest? Why am i interesting? What are my values? What do I stand for? What would my profession or human contribution be? Why do I want to work in this sector? Why does it matter to me? More importantly, you need to ask yourself "why does it excite me?", because you will be spending a lot of time working so you need to enjoy it.
On the Interview:
It is crucial to convince the interviewer that you are a great candidate. You should think about what they are looking for and how you can differentiate yourself from everybody else. You would want to come across as a memorable person, not just another candidate. You've got to stand out. Communicate clearly and compelling, be confident in bringing your CV to life. You need to show your passion and motivation, but don't repeat what you have pointed out on your CV and Cover Letter. Majority of interview questions don't require just an answer. There is opportunity to communicate and to open up a bit. Good interaction with the interviewer is important, so don't just give a short answer for each question.
Tips in managing early career
First phase on your career
1. Get curious, be hungry to learn, ask questions, do your own research - get the feeling of what's going on out there, go meet people, talk to people.
2. Build your experience. Get as many experience in operational role in different areas in your early career as it can determine what you want to do. Do you want to be specialised or generalised? Don't be shy to ask help.
3. Build on your strength, don't over-focus on your weaknesses.
4. Build good working relationship, collaborate. Be generous in sharing your own knowledge but of course you can be selfish sometimes.
5. Invest in career mentor as they can give you advice, encouragement and could be your role model.
6. Speak your mind, your opinion matters! Remain respectful but don't be afraid to voice your opinion.
7. Take pride in your work. Always go the extra mile. it does show and it brings benefit.
On the way up...
- Hungry for management, know how to take decision. Be prepared to take risk, focus on positive than negative, focus on success rather than failure, learn from mistake.
- As a manager, you don't have to do everything yourself. Feel comfortable to delegate, trust people.
- Stay flexible. Remain open to new ideas, new ways in doing things.
- Always listen.
- Remember the purpose to serve society, to make world a better place.
- Never afraid to move somewhere else.
Life at the top... (Chief Executive)
- Focus on the big picture, manage strategy on the long run
- Demonstrate the value of the organisation, lead at the front
- Be humble
Dr Long concluded his advice by mentioning that after all, business is about people and gaining trust is the most important. He quoted, "Without the customer satisfaction, we're nothing".
At last, key things to stand out:
- Well prepared on the interview, know what to say about yourself
- In business: how you build your credibility
- What you stand for and what are you as a person and human being
