From nervous beginner to confident leader: Katie's story

Katie Marshall, Supervisor in our Wellington store, started out as an Optical Assistant Apprentice. From going through some particularly tough times due to health challenges to flourishing in her career as a supervisor, Katie tells us her story so far.

My first ever job

“My first day at Specsavers was 24 May 2021 as an Apprentice Optical Assistant which was my first ever job. As I look back now to that very day, I truly had no idea how much this role would shape me and where it would lead me to. I remember the feeling when I walked through the store doors on my first day; I really didn’t know what to expect. I was only 17 and with it being my first job, I was very nervous but also excited to start this new journey. For me, this wasn’t just about learning the ins and outs of optics, it was also about having the opportunity to grow as a person, developing my confidence, and proving to myself that I could take on new challenges.

So much to learn

At the start, everything felt new and was rather overwhelming. I was eager to learn, but there was so much to take in; understanding prescriptions, helping customers choose suitable frames, adjusting and fitting glasses, and making sure every customer was happy and cared for. I watched my colleagues closely, picking up skills and knowledge wherever I could, and I was learning so many new things every day. Each day brought something different, and I found myself really enjoying the mix of technical work and customer service. Doing the apprenticeship meant I was learning a lot from the course content and could apply my knowledge into practical experience. This was the best way for me to learn.

My confidence started to grow

As time went on, I grew more confident in my role. After 13 months, I sat my exams and, to my absolute delight, got 3 distinctions which was amazing and filled me with so much confidence! Now the apprenticeship was complete, I still had an appetite to keep learning and gaining knowledge as an Optical Assistant. I loved the warm feeling I’d get from helping customers to see clearly for the first time with their new glasses or reassuring a nervous customer about their eye test. As I became more confident, I began to take on more responsibility, stepping up and taking on new challenges or more difficult tasks whenever I could. I asked questions, shadowed more experienced colleagues, whilst always making sure to get feedback on what I could do to improve.

Look at me now!

Fast forward two years later, I was given the opportunity to progress further in my career and become a supervisor. It felt like a big step, but I was ready for it. I now had the opportunity to practice and enhance my leadership skills, improve my ability to solve problems, gain stronger communication skills and most importantly support the team by listening, communicating, supporting, all while bringing positivity and enthusiasm. It was a new challenge balancing leadership with the daily demands of the store, but I do love a challenge. I learnt to manage different personalities, handle tricky situations, and make sure that the team worked effortlessly together. I’m so proud of how far I’ve come over the four years with Specsavers and I love supervising my team every day – they’re so supportive, we’re like family.

Life’s unpredictable challenges

This hasn’t come without its difficulties, however. Over the last couple of years, I have faced a fair few health problems in regard to my head and eyes, with every optician running away if I need an eye test! This has sometimes made it tricky to perform at my very best and stay positive every day. However, I’ve been so fortunate to have all the support from my team and management and I know I couldn’t have stayed as positive as what I have without them all in my corner. We all go through tough times; life is unpredictable, and health challenges come up when you least expect them. But it’s knowing that you never have to face them alone, especially not with a team like “Team Welli”.

Growth, resilience, and determination

From an apprentice learning the basics to a supervisor helping to lead a team, my journey at Specsavers so far has been one of growth, resilience, and determination and will continue to be. It hasn’t always been easy, but every hurdle has made me stronger and has led me to where I am today. I am so very grateful for everyone I work alongside and wouldn’t be where or who I am today without them”.