Our Pioneers

From Collecting Payments to Connecting People

How a career pivot led to a thriving role in Technology Recruitment


Changing careers is never easy, but for Jenna, it was the challenge she accepted, that led her to a thriving role in Technology Recruitment. Her experience of transitioning from Financial Services into a completely new industry forms a story filled with adaptability, determination, and a willingness to learn.

Now a skilled Delivery Consultant at Pioneer Search, Jenna has not only embraced the world of recruitment but has also carved out a successful and rewarding career.


A leap of faith

Before joining Pioneer Search in 2021, Jenna’s career path looked quite different. She began her professional journey in Financial Services, working as a Collections Agent. Yes, she was that person making the tough calls to chase outstanding payments!

While Jenna was successful in this role, there was something was missing. She still craved a role that was dynamic and people-focussed, but one that had a had a positive narrative and focused on growth opportunities for both herself and those she interacted with daily. That’s when recruitment caught her eye.

What started as an unexpected career pivot quickly became the perfect fit. Recruitment combined the fast-paced challenge she sought with the opportunity to make a real impact on people’s lives. But she knew that the key to making this transition successful would be to find the right company that could support her journey.


Finding the right fit and choosing to join Pioneer Search

When considering her next step, Jenna interviewed with multiple recruitment firms. But Pioneer Search stood out from the start.

From her very first interaction, she was welcomed as if she were already part of the team. By the time she’d progressed to her final interview, she had met everyone in the team and felt an immediate sense of belonging. It wasn’t just about the job, it was about joining a company that was able to authentically demonstrate that it valued its people, invested in development, and fostered a collaborative culture.


The early days in Recruitment and tackling the challenge head on

Jenna’s first role at Pioneer was as a Resourcer, where she embarked on an intensive internal and external training programme. Coming from outside the recruitment industry, there was a steep learning curve, but Jenna tackled it head-on. She quickly mastered the art of identifying and engaging top-tier talent, playing a crucial role in placing a high volume of skilled candidates into job opportunities within the Specialty Insurance sector.


Reflecting on her early days, Jenna commented:

“My journey at Pioneer began as a trainee focused on engaging with candidates and talent in the market for the opportunities we were currently recruiting for. Over time, I’ve developed my knowledge of the Technology market and now play a key role in ensuring the successful delivery of permanent recruitment projects.”


Delivering excellence and growing into a specialist role

Now a Delivery Consultant, Jenna has honed her expertise and aligned her niche focus into identifying and engaging with exceptional talent for roles such as Cloud and DevOps Engineers, Application Security Specialists, Desktop Support professionals, and Security Architects.

But for Jenna, the most rewarding part of her job isn’t just placing candidates, it’s knowing she’s helping people find opportunities that truly excite them, and will more than likely change their lives for the better for years to come.

Seeing professionals thrive in their new roles, knowing she played a part in their journey, is just one of many reasons that makes recruitment so fulfilling.


For those considering a career in recruitment, Jenna offers this advice:

“Stay open-minded and embrace the learning curve. Recruitment is fast paced, but with the right team around you, it’s incredibly rewarding. Pioneer has given me the chance to grow, and I’m excited for what’s to come.”


Looking for a technology recruiter or a career in recruitment?

If you’re seeking an industry immersed technical recruitment specialist within the Specialty Insurance sector, Jenna is here to help. With her market insights, vast network of clients and passively looking candidates, powered by a her perfect-fit approach, she’s a trusted partner in finding the right talent.

Alternatively, if you’re a graduate or in the formative years of your career and considering a move into recruitment, Pioneer Search is expanding, and we’d love to hear from you.

Get in touch with India today for a confidential chat about joining our growing team.