After progressing quickly during her time here, we asked her to share a bit about her career journey so far, and how she has embraced every opportunity after starting as a dental nurse. She said:
“When I was trying to decide what I wanted to do for a career I knew that it must be a career that would be fulfilling, where we could make a difference to people’s lives and I wanted to work in an industry that was a need and constantly evolving, dental fitted all the above. I started working in independent dental practices, but I soon realised that to have greater opportunities and make a bigger impact I needed to make the move to corporate.”
“I have a lot of friends and family that work in independent practice, and being the first to make the move I didn’t know what to expect from a career progression point of view at all. However, within my first year in the business, I went from being a practice manager, to working in M&A as a support manager.”
After experiencing fast career progression in her first year at Bupa Dental Care, Zara was presented with the opportunity to apply for an area manager role in Northern Ireland. At first, she was unsure if she should apply, but after some consideration, she decided to go for it. She said:
“When I was presented with the opportunity to apply for an area manager role in Northern Ireland, I had only been in the business a short time and it felt too early for me to go for it. However, after a few conversations with family and my line manager, I went for it and was successful in being appointed. I thoroughly enjoyed this role, learned so much and had endless support from the business.”
“Not long after, I was fortunate enough that a temporary regional operations director role came up for the North. I decided to apply to increase my knowledge outside of Ireland, and I was successful in being appointed for the role. Following the temporary role, I was given the opportunity to apply for the head of operations Ireland position. I was successful and stayed in the role for 1.5 years before taking on my latest role of business development director. Within this role, I oversee the Total Orthodontics business and I have three business development managers.”
We asked Zara to tell us about her career progression and how she was able to take on more responsibility in such a short period of time. She said:
“It might sound cliché, but how I have progressed my career is through hard work, having an open mindset and constantly trying to be better every day. I apply the 1% principle to everything I do, this coupled with an organisation like Bupa makes anything possible! I have been very fortunate to have fantastic leaders along the way to aspire to, and the type of leaders that you would do anything for. This is priceless.”
This type of progression requires dedication and support, we asked Zara how Bupa Dental Care have supported her in her career journey. She said:
“When I was appointed interim regional operations director, it was the biggest step in my career where I had to really stretch myself. The business was incredibly supportive, and I was fortunate enough to be given a mentor by Bupa Dental Care. This was my first experience with a mentor, and it was incredibly invaluable, helping me to develop as a leader and manager, I learned a lot during this time. I found new ways to develop myself and had support to do so all whilst in a new role.”
We asked Zara to tell us how we support our colleagues with their career development, she said:
“At Bupa, we genuinely are always looking at our talent, and I think we are good at identifying ways to improve possibilities for anyone who is committed, passionate and wants to go further. Capabilities come after the core values of individuals, and I think we are good at working with good people and trying to pave that way. There is a lot of access to fantastic learning materials and internal and external courses. The power of Bupa and all the business units means we can also pave the way for a career outside of dental, yet still under the Bupa umbrella. This is a powerful USP for Bupa and our people.”
Zara told us what she loves about working at Bupa Dental Care:
“I love that I work in a company that aligns with my personal values – this is important to me. We get to contribute to a larger purpose, and we have an impact on people’s lives in a positive way. I am incredibly fortunate to have a powerful team that motivate me more every day, and I have an outstanding boss who challenges me every day, with equal support to keep pushing boundaries. The ambition of Bupa Dental Care makes me smile, it is very exciting, and the closer we get to this ambition the bigger I smile.”
Here at Bupa Dental Care, we are proud to offer an industry-leading benefits package to our colleagues. We asked Zara if she’s been able to take advantage of any of the benefits. She said:
“I used the remote GP service when I couldn’t get a GP appointment at home, I went onto the app, and I had an appointment with the GP in a matter of hours. I have also had a full health screening, which included assessment of vitals such as bloods, and then had an hour-long consultation with a GP and wellbeing nurse; this was fantastic, and thankfully all good results, so I have great peace of mind!”
And finally, we asked Zara what she would say to someone who was considering joining Bupa Dental Care. She said:
“If you want to be part of a company that is transforming, has big ambitions, and brings their people on the journey – what are you waiting for? Do it!”
If Zara’s career journey has inspired you, visit our website to see our latest vacancies and become a part of our team: https://jobs.bupadentalcare.co.uk
