Secondments can be an excellent option for businesses seeking specialised skills, or experienced employees to join teams seamlessly, whilst also providing valuable growth opportunities for the seconded employee to develop new skills, knowledge, and experiences.
Fizza Qasim, Associate Director at Vidett, began a secondment in October 2023, working as part of the pensions team at Molson Coors Beverage Company (MCBC). As Fizza approaches the one-year mark, she reflects on her secondment experience and the professional and personal benefits it has provided.
A perfect match
The success of a secondment hinges on finding the right person in terms of skills, experience, location, personality, and communication style. When the MCBC secondment opportunity arose, Fizza was noted to have the necessary skills and experience, but crucially she was considered to be the right personality fit for both the in-house pensions team and the company overall. With over sixteen years in the pensions industry Fizza is known for her appreciation of the ‘people’ aspect of work, and with MCBC being a true ‘people first’ company, this secondment was a perfect match.
Starting the Journey
Before her secondment, Fizza had limited knowledge of secondments and had never worked as part of an in-house team, though she had collaborated with them. From day one, it was clear that this secondment would be a unique and rewarding experience. Fizza instantly felt a strong sense of belonging at MCBC, and almost a year later has found this only to have strengthened.
MCBC’s company values are more than just words—they are embodied by every employee. The positive energy, people first company culture and collaborative atmosphere in the office helped Fizza integrate smoothly as a secondee, whilst Rachelle Trueman (Pensions Manager for UK and Ireland), continues to make the whole secondment experience an incredible one. With her exceptional attention to detail, strategic vision, and ability to lead by example, Fizza’s found she’s been able to learn from a very inspirational leader.
Key Components of a Successful Secondment
Fizza notes that there are two essential components for successful pensions secondments:
- The Pensions Side
The industry is filled with technically brilliant individuals, but having the right attitude and willingness to learn and grow makes the work easier and more enjoyable. In pensions, every day is a learning opportunity. Before her secondment, Fizza hadn’t fully appreciated the trustee focus of her work. Now, she has gained firsthand experience of the entire pensions process from both a trustee and scheme sponsor perspective. This has deepened her understanding of how crucial the pensions manager role is in balancing logical trustee decisions with the practicalities of company operations. - The People Side
When Fizza joined 20-20 Trustees two years ago, she quickly realised the importance of the people side of the work. If you enjoy the company of your colleagues and share common values, goals, and principles, you’ll thrive. This creates a motivating, supportive environment where everyone can excel. The success of Fizza’s secondment is largely due to her strong connection with Rachelle and team at MCBC, who share similar values and work ethics. Under the guidance of Rachelle who is not only technically brilliant, but also calm, thoughtful and exceptionally kind, Fizza has been inspired to improve herself and develop these admirable qualities within herself – with self-reflection being a true sign you’re working with the right person.
Conclusion
Fizza’s secondment is a shining example of how work can be both effortless and enjoyable when collaborating with the right people who share similar values and qualities. This experience, and in particular working with Rachelle has allowed her to explore new ideas, overcome challenges, share jokes and end each day with a genuine sense of accomplishment. Over the past ten months, Fizza has experienced significant personal and professional growth, which she attributes directly to her secondment.
For companies considering hiring a pensions professional, Fizza highly recommends exploring the benefits of secondments. The Vidett Outsourced Pensions Management team, of which Fizza is now a member, carefully selects the right people for each role and works closely with firms to ensure they find the perfect match.
For more information or to discuss a secondment opportunity, please contact Fizza Qasim or one of the Trustee Executive team.