It's been a whole year since I joined Auto Trader's Graduate Account Manager Programme, and what a year it's been! You're probably wondering who I am—Hi, I'm Moyosola Matilda Olagunju. I'm originally from Nigeria, and I hold a BSc in Entrepreneurship and a MSc in International Business from the University of Chester. From the moment I applied to this Graduate programme until today, the support I've received has been incredible, and I've felt valued every step of the way. Let me share a little about my experience and give you a few tips for anyone looking to join the graduate scheme!

The Application Process & Induction: Building Connections Early

Auto Trader's application process was one of the smoothest I've ever encountered. From the first steps, I felt like I was in good hands. Once I got accepted, the induction process set a strong foundation for everything that was to come.

Meeting the other graduates was definitely a highlight. People came from all different parts of the business and backgrounds, but we were all excited about learning and growing together. We even had the chance to connect with the leadership team early on, which made me feel like I was truly part of the Auto Trader community.

Next came the training, led by Julie from the Learning & Development team, who made learning about Auto Trader's products and our partnership approach straightforward and enjoyable. She created a supportive learning environment, making complex topics feel easy to understand and engaging for everyone involved. This gave me the confidence to start building amazing customer relationships from day one.

My Rotations: Building Expertise Across the Partnerships Community.

The Graduate Account Manager programme is all about rotations, and these have been so valuable in giving me a deep understanding of the Partnerships community, the products as well as setting myself up for success for my professional role as an Account Manager. Each offering new challenges and learnings

• Retailer Support: My first rotation was focused on customer interaction. I managed transactional conversations, handled inbound calls, and learned to spot commercial risks and opportunities. It was fast-paced, but it taught me so much about problem-solving.

• Digital Retailing: This rotation was all about integrating Auto Trader's Deal Builder digital product within our customers' businesses. I got to help retailers make the car buying process smoother for customers while boosting their own sales through omnichannel retailing. This set me up for success in my next rotation.

• Independent Dealers: In this rotation, I worked directly with independent car dealers. My goal was to understand their business needs, adapt to the changing market, and offer solutions to help them thrive. Building relationships and really listening to their challenges was key here.

Right now, I'm in the New Car rotation, where I'm learning everything about the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate and supporting franchise customers with their new car targets. This is such an exciting area, especially with all the changes happening in the automotive industry right now.

Looking ahead, I have two more rotations where I'll be working with Large Independent and Franchise customers. If the support I've gotten so far is anything to go by, I know I'm in for an amazing experience.

Special Projects: The Fun Stuff

One of the most exciting parts of the Graduate Account Manager programme has been the special projects. My favourite so far? The Buy and Sell a Vehicle project. For a few weeks, I was basically a car dealer—I researched, sourced, advertised, and even sold a car! On top of that, I spent time in a franchise dealership, getting a feel for the hustle and bustle of everyday operations.

And the cherry on top? Auto Trader gave me two amazing new friends—Wilson and Anjali. We're all Graduate Account Managers, and we've built such a great bond. Together, we've navigated the ups and downs of the programme, always supporting and learning from one another.

Why I Love Being a Graduate Account Manager at Auto Trader

What I love most about being a Graduate Account Manager at Auto Trader is the genuine focus on both my professional and personal growth. The business truly invests in helping me evolve and provides all the tools and resources I need to succeed. For example, I've had the amazing opportunity to become a Career Kickstart Network facilitator, which allows me to give back to others just starting their careers. I've also been actively involved in the Ethnicity Network, where I help empower young people and set them up for success. The support network here is incredible—I really feel like I'm building a meaningful career, not just ticking boxes.

3 Tips for Future Applicants:

1. Be Curious: The more questions you ask, the more you'll learn. This programme is full of opportunities, so take advantage of every single one.

2. Be Authentic: Auto Trader values people who are genuinely themselves. Don't be afraid to show your personality in your application—whether you're passionate about cars, business, or tech, let it shine.

3. Research the Business: Before your interview or assessment, take the time to really understand Auto Trader's Values, culture, products and market position. Showing that you know what makes Auto Trader unique will give you an edge.

This past year has been a whirlwind of learning, growth, and building connections, and I can't wait to see what the future holds. If you're thinking about applying to Auto Trader's Graduate Account Manager role, go for it—you won't regret it!