Meet Connor and Elise who recently joined our team on the Operations Management Graduate Scheme.

What university did you attend?

I studied Biomedical Science at Leeds Beckett University. I went to Leeds due to the student city culture, there was always lots going on and a variety of sports I had rugby, football and the cricket on the doorstep.

Did you relocate for the position?

Yes, although I studied in Leeds, I originate from St Helens; when applying for this graduate scheme, I knew a relocation to Stoke would be required.

What’s your favourite film?

It has got to be La La Land, I don’t know why this film is my favourite, however, I do love Ryan Gosling as an actor. I love the film, especially the ending of it, when they don’t get together and they should, it’s just emotional.

I know I’ve already provided one of my favourites, but another film to watch is Everything Everywhere all at once, it’s a mind bending sci-fi, I like different films, it’s won loads of awards, and is a definite must watch.

What do you like doing outside of work?

I love playing golf; it’s a great way to socialise with my mates too, especially when I go back to Liverpool. I’m a big fan of American Football and NBA; I can sit and watch the NFL for hours and I’m engaged throughout. I enjoy running, and going to the gym, I would say these are the things that take up a lot of my spare time.

Although, football is a huge passion as well, should time permit, I want to start playing again. The team I support and follow is Man City, the reason behind me supporting them is when I was younger I wanted to be different, and support a team which wasn’t Liverpool.

What is your favourite food?

You can’t beat food! It’s the greatest thing in the world. If we’re talking about my favourite food, it has to be a burger, I like to think of myself as a burger connoisseur. The best burger I ever had was in Vietnam, as I went back packing there after university.

Provide an insight into your travels

I went to Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. I also decided to go to Japan for two weeks by myself, once I had experienced this beautiful country, I went back to Thailand to explore the islands, moving over to Singapore, The Philippines, and Qatar. My favourite destination was Japan, however I would love to go back to Vietnam, whilst there I did the Ha Giang Loop which is a four day road trip on a motorbike, that has to be the best thing I did out of the whole six months. Not forgetting that I caved through the fourth largest cave in the world, I love stuff like this, I absolutely love the adrenaline.

What’s an interesting fact about yourself?

I was born in America, and moved to the UK when I was younger. Being able to have the opportunity to spend my school holidays in Florida, and going to Disneyworld was an amazing experience.

If you could have dinner with one famous person, who would it be?

It would have to be Lebron James for his famous Taco Tuesdays; he is the greatest athlete of all time and I would just like to be able to tell people that I have had the opportunity to meet him and talk about how he’s been at the top of the game for the last 20 years.

What’s your biggest achievement so far on the bet365 Operations Management Graduate Scheme?

My biggest achievement so far is seeing my team progress/develop due to the result of my developing/coaching. I took over a team of new advisors and watching them improve into feeling comfortable in the role, makes me proud.

What university did you attend?

I studied Criminology at the University of Liverpool.

What is your favourite food?

If I had to pick one food, I would probably say sushi. There are so many different types of sushi, but you definitely cannot beat a bit of sushi! It’s good, as it’s a healthy food, and not fast food, but then again, I still love fast food.  

What is your favourite film?

I really like thrillers, my favourite thriller is seven. I liked it because I guessed everything that was going to happen in the film. Another film I really like is Shutter Island, if you have not watched it, you need to watch it! I don’t want to give too much away as there is a surprise in the plot. Leonardo DiCaprio is in it, and he plays a detective, if I talk about it and you’ve not watched it, it will ruin the film, all I am going to say is that it’s a must watch film.

What did you do after university?

I went on a few holidays, I wouldn’t necessarily say travelling as such, but I had the opportunity to go and visit one of my university friends in South Africa, it was lovely to visit my friend and explore the country at the same time.  Whilst there I climbed table mountain, however as I went in September when I got to the top, I couldn’t see anything. I went on safari, and almost saw the big five, buffalos were the only one I didn’t see, however I have seen the other main ones, so I cannot complain. The food there is some of the best food I have ever had. We went to a local restaurant and I had the best steak I have ever had, it was melt in your mouth, it was incredible. This is one reason I would go back, as I’m a massive foodie. When I was in South Africa, I explored Cape Town, and I travelled to Johannesburg. Following on from my time there, I made a couple of trips to Spain, one of which was. Barcelona. I love Barcelona, it is my favourite place to go in the world, I’ve been there three times, I love the beach, the place, it’s just amazing.

Do you have anything exciting coming up?

I’m planning on going on holiday again, however I’ve just come back from Spain and Portugal. Whilst away we travelled from Lisbon, went round to Lagos and onto Albufeira. I love the culture, and the food of these two countries. Whilst aboard I did cave kayaking which was a different experience, and some of the restaurants had all you could eat sushi, which was really good. The next destinations I want to visit are Turkey and Morocco, but I need to wait a little while.

Interesting fact about yourself

When I was exploring Western Australia, I got lost in the outback. We were staying in a beach side town, which it had taken ten hours to travel to, and we went out one evening and started chatting to some locals who originated from the UK. When we were leaving the destination, I didn’t exactly follow the right path, as I thought where we were staying was one way, and my boyfriend thought it was the other way. After  walking for 30-40 minutes, I’d realised I’d the gone the wrong way; luckily I saw lights in the distance and followed them, where I found civilisation, and a local took me back to where I was staying.

If you could have dinner with a famous person, who would it be and why?

It would probably be Lady Gaga. Not only is her music amazing, her style and attitude iconic, but she uses her platform to advocate and give a voice to marginalised groups.

What’s your biggest achievement so far on the bet365 Operations Management Graduate Scheme?

I would say that my biggest achievement so far would be successfully completing my training and induction, reaching a stage where I am more independent, and can confidently tackle a variety of customer queries. I overcame moments where I doubted myself, and can confidently say that the colleagues I have met so far really helped me in overcoming these moments of self-doubt.