Working at Alpha One - What it’s like
Have you ever wondered what it is like working at Alpha One? We asked Antonia Peprah to share her experience working at Alpha One through her role as a Senior Administration staff member.
Can you share the story of how you first joined Alpha One and what motivated you to become a part of our team?
During my job search, I came across Alpha One and was immediately intrigued by OC and selective tutoring. Although I didn't have any personal experience with these types of schools, the unique approach piqued my interest, and I was looking for a job that would allow me to apply my education and further my career. The job description at Alpha One sounded like the perfect fit, aligning with my academic pursuits and career aspirations. After applying and being invited for an interview, I delved deeper into the company's values displayed on its website. It is crucial for me to work in an environment where the company's values resonate with my own, as this allows me to fully immerse myself in the work culture and be enthusiastic about pursuing the company's goals. In particular, Alpha One's commitment to innovation, teamwork, and continuous improvement aligns with my personal values. The emphasis on creating a supportive and inclusive environment for students and staff stood out. This defining moment during the recruitment process made me realise that Alpha One was not just a workplace but a community that valued its members.
Are there any specific projects or initiatives you’ve worked on that you feel particularly proud of?
When I joined the Alpha One team in 2022, my responsibilities initially focused on daily administrative duties. As I gained more experience, I had the opportunity to explore new areas and take on more challenging roles. One of the projects I am particularly proud of is the 'Battle of the Branches' events. This was a series of friendly inter-branch competitions that ranged from sport days to trivia nights. I was invited to a strategy meeting where I shared my experiences and ideas as a senior admin. This meeting highlighted the need for increased employee engagement within the Alpha One staff community. With my business and event management background, I collaborated with our director Chris and other senior admins and tutors to create the 'Battle of the Branches' events to boost communication across our branches, build memories, and increase overall employee engagement and satisfaction outside the workplace.
This experience was my first significant foray into event coordination within my prospective career. It was incredibly inspiring to see how an event could bring the entire team together, fostering a sense of camaraderie and competition. The collaboration process was seamless, with open communication and a shared vision among the team members. This experience taught me the importance of teamwork, creative problem-solving, and the impact that well-planned events can have on company culture.
What unique opportunities have you discovered while working at Alpha One that you didn’t expect?
Working at Alpha One has provided me with numerous unique opportunities that I did not expect, especially given the early stage in my career. The invitation to the strategy meeting gave me valuable insight into the inner workings of a company like Alpha One, which has been instrumental in my growth as a business student. Additionally, my growing friendships with many managers and branch directors have been a source of inspiration within the business industry. These relationships have provided mentorship and guidance, helping me navigate my career path more effectively. For example, the opportunity to work on the 'Battle of the Branches' events was a hands-on training experience in event management, which has significantly enhanced my skills and confidence in this area. Cross-departmental collaborations have been a highlight of my time at Alpha One. Working with different teams has opened new doors for me, allowing me to gain a broader understanding of the company's operations and build a diverse network of colleagues. This support has changed my perspective on my career path and equipped me with the skills and confidence to pursue new challenges.
What do you think sets Alpha One apart when it comes to supporting employee growth and development?
What sets Alpha One apart is its apparent effort to support employees within their separate careers and aspirations outside the company. Recognising that employees are ambitious and have diverse, future professional aspirations, Alpha One provides opportunities for growth and development that are tailored to individual career goals. This upskilling benefits the company and prepares these employees for future roles in their chosen fields.
The openness within the company is another significant factor. Employees are encouraged to take on challenges and apply for roles they believe they are capable of. This demonstrates the team's dedication to its staff and their careers, which I greatly appreciate. Seeing my colleagues grow within the company, whether through promotions or new responsibilities, has been incredibly motivating and reinforces my belief in Alpha One's supportive culture.
Alpha One provides staff with the opportunity to advance in areas that align with their university studies such as marketing, accounting, software development, hr etc. Join our team to kickstart your career as a tutor, marker or admin.
Working at Alpha One - What it’s like
Have you ever wondered what it is like working at Alpha One? We asked Alex Lu to share his experience working at Alpha One through his roles as an administrator and finance manager.
How did your journey with Alpha One start, and how has it evolved over time?
I started at Alpha One in 2021 as an administrator when the company was still in its early stages. This was my first ‘real’ job out of high school, and I initially approached it as a way to earn money while in university, without any long term aspirations. At the time, the company was still working to establish effective systems and processes, and my role involved handling the daily tasks typical of an administrative position. However, as I became more involved, I recognised the unique opportunity to learn and grow alongside Alpha One.
The turning point in my journey came when I identified an opportunity to improve the company’s spreadsheets and models, aligning with what I was studying at university. By automating tasks and enhancing workflows, I was able to save significant manpower, allowing administrators to focus on more important and engaging responsibilities. As Alpha One grew, so did my responsibilities. My role has evolved from focusing on day-to-day tasks to playing a part in ensuring the company’s continued growth and stability. This journey has been incredibly rewarding, as I’ve grown professionally while contributing to Alpha One’s success.
What has your experience been like working at Alpha One Coaching College? Are there any particular moments or achievements that stand out for you?
Working at Alpha One has been an incredibly rewarding experience, where I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with a dynamic and motivated team. When I first joined, the company had the energy and culture similar to a startup, which has since evolved into a more structured and efficient environment. A few moments that stand out for me include my involvement in streamlining processes and offering feedback to enhance our day-to-day operations. These efforts not only improved our workflow but also allowed me to grow professionally.
Additionally, participating in various social events over the years has given me the opportunity to connect with my colleagues on a deeper level, learning about their personal goals and aspirations, whether in university, business, or other areas of life. One of my proudest achievements was forming the finance department, which significantly improved the recovery of accounts receivables and eliminated a previously tedious process. This accomplishment not only contributed to the company’s financial health but also reinforced my belief in the importance of innovation and continuous improvement in the workplace.
In what ways has Alpha One contributed to your career development and growth?
Alpha One has played a significant role in my career development, equipping me with skills that have greatly contributed to my growth. One of the key areas of development has been my communication skills, particularly through customer service. I’ve learned how to effectively de-escalate situations and navigate difficult conversations, which has been invaluable in both professional and personal contexts. My time at Alpha One has honed my negotiation and problem-solving abilities, teaching me to thoroughly consider potential flaws in ideas before presenting them.
On the technical side, I’ve gained proficiency in tools such as Excel, Google Sheets, VBA, and Java, all of which align closely with my studies as an actuary. These technical skills have not only enhanced my efficiency at work but have also been highly relevant to my academic pursuits. Moreover, I’ve developed management skills, including time allocation, delegation, and task tracking, which have been key in balancing my responsibilities effectively. Overall, the experience at Alpha One has been significant, providing me with a strong foundation that has significantly boosted my progress in job and internship interviews related to my degree.
How have your various roles at Alpha One contributed to your personal and/or professional development?
I have had quite a number of roles at Alpha One, which have all shaped both my personal and professional development. Starting out as an admin, I gained valuable experience in customer service, which taught me how to manage pressure and effectively de-escalate situations. This is still one of the most useful and crucial skills I have learnt. The friendships I formed with colleagues during this time has also allowed me to create a supportive work environment.
Transitioning into a Finance Admin role, I developed technical skills that aligned closely with my university studies. This role provided me with a deeper understanding of business operations and the importance of applying the theoretical knowledge in my studies to solve real-world problems. It was here that I truly began to appreciate the practical side of my education, and also learnt the importance of sharing innovative ideas no matter what position you are in.
As I moved into the Finance Manager role, I further developed my technical abilities, particularly in automating previous systems to free up more time that could be used elsewhere. This role also required me to step into a leadership position, where I furthered my communication skills, delegation of roles and time management over a longer time horizon.
As a Branch Manager, I developed my interpersonal skills in order to effectively communicate with staff, tailoring my approach to their strengths and weaknesses. This role solidified my ability to keep track of ongoing events, further contributing to my professional growth.
Do you have any advice for individuals who are thinking about applying for a position at Alpha One College?
For those considering applying for a position at Alpha One College, whether on the administrative side or tutoring side, my advice would be to focus on a few key areas that can greatly benefit your experience and growth. First, learning to communicate clearly and directly is crucial. This skill will not only help you succeed in your role but will also contribute to your personal development in other areas of life.
It's also important to have an open problem solving mindset. Identify areas where you think improvements can be made, and take the initiative to address them. Whether you're seeking a casual role or aiming for full-time employment, always strive to enhance the workplace. It will benefit your day to day work, but also improve your growth in the long run. Continuous improvement is key to long term success.
Try to build strong professional relationships with your colleagues. Engage with them and support each other’s growth. You never know what kind of opportunities there are that come from your network.
Ultimately, bring a sense of drive and a desire to expand your professional experience. Be proactive in seeking opportunities to learn and grow, as this will not only benefit your career but also enrich your overall experience at Alpha One.
Alpha One provides staff with the opportunity to advance in areas that align with their university studies such as marketing, accounting, software development, hr etc. Join our team to kickstart your career as a tutor, marker or admin.
Working at Alpha One - What it’s like
Tutor Testimonial
Have you ever wondered what it is like working at Alpha One? We asked Emilie Tan to share her experience working at Alpha One through her roles as tutor and content director.
How did your Alpha One journey begin and how has it progressed since?
My journey with Alpha One began in 2021 when I joined the team as a primary school OC/Selective tutor. Having gone through the OC and Selective process myself when I was younger, this felt like a great way to help the next generation of students achieve their best!
In 2022, I was offered a proofreading role within the company which allowed me to contribute to the quality of educational materials provided to students. I continued this role alongside tutoring and enjoyed being part of both the behind-the-scenes work as well as hands-on teaching.
The year 2023 marked a significant milestone in my career with Alpha One as I was entrusted with the role of Content Director. This role has challenged me with leading a team of content creators, solution writers and proofreaders to ensure that materials remain relevant and helpful to students in an ever-changing educational landscape.
Today, I continue to balance my roles as both a Tutor and Content Director. It has been so fulfilling to see the impact that Alpha One has on students, and it's been a big privilege to work alongside such a dedicated team!
How has your experience working for Alpha One Coaching College been? Are there any specific highlights of working at Alpha?
Working at Alpha One Coaching College has been an incredibly rewarding experience. One aspect that stands out to me is the opportunity to witness the impact that we have on students. As someone who has been involved in creating and refining content material behind the scenes, it's immensely gratifying to see students engage with them and, ultimately, thrive academically. Knowing that I've played a role in shaping their learning journey is incredibly fulfilling.
However, my favourite part of working at Alpha One is the shared passion among the tutors, admin and content staff. Getting to know like-minded individuals who are equally passionate about education has been both inspiring and enjoyable. Collaborating with them, sharing insights, and learning from each other's experiences has enriched my professional growth and made the work environment very fun and rewarding.
Moreover, Alpha One fosters a sense of community and culture through social dinners and nights. These gatherings give us opportunities to bond with colleagues and strengthen our connections outside of the workplace. It's a testament to the supportive and inclusive culture that Alpha One cultivates, even outside of working hours.
What are some ways in which Alpha One provided you with the opportunity to progress career-wise?
At Alpha One, there are so many opportunities for career progression. Beginning as a tutor, I was immersed in education and teaching. As I gained experience in my role, I was presented with the opportunity to take on additional responsibilities of proofreading, and then of content directing. Transitioning into a directing role not only allowed me to leverage my knowledge of teaching but also enabled me to develop essential leadership skills. From guiding and mentoring team members to discussing and implementing improvements to booklets, I've had the chance to shape the direction of Alpha One’s educational materials.
Alpha One's supportive environment and commitment to employee development have been crucial in facilitating my career progression. Through mentorship training, opportunities for professional growth, and years of experience, I have developed important soft skills that will certainly be beneficial for any future career paths. Especially as a university student, I'm grateful for the experience and support I've received from Alpha One, and I'm excited to continue leading our team towards greater success in the future.
How has working in your various roles in Alpha One helped you grow, both personally and/or professionally?
Working at Alpha One has been an important part of my personal and professional growth, equipping me with a diverse set of skills that extend beyond education.
My experience at Alpha One has significantly boosted my confidence in teaching. Interacting with students from various backgrounds and skill levels has honed my ability to adapt my teaching style to meet individual needs. Over time, I've developed a deep understanding of strategies that resonate with different learning preferences, enabling me to facilitate meaningful learning experiences for every student.
My roles within the company have also enhanced my communication skills significantly. Whether it's conveying complex concepts to students clearly and concisely or collaborating with colleagues to streamline processes, I've learned to communicate effectively across diverse audiences.
Furthermore, I’ve gained experience with organisation and time management through managing content tasks efficiently and prioritising responsibilities to meet deadlines. This skill has transferred over to university work, as well as everyday productivity and discipline.
Do you have any words of wisdom for anyone out there who is considering applying for a role at Alpha One College?
Whether you're considering a position in content creation or tutoring with students, Alpha One is a great place to be. If you're passionate about education, making a difference, and being part of a dynamic team, then this is the right place for you!
Tutoring students at Alpha One offers a direct and incredibly rewarding experience. With small classes, you get to witness the "aha" moments firsthand, guide students through challenges, and watch their growth and confidence blossom. It's a role where you can truly make a tangible impact on a student's education and future.
On the other hand, working behind the scenes allows you to shape educational materials, develop resources, and contribute to the learning journey of countless students. This role has flexible timing which makes it perfect as a part-time job while studying at university.
For both content and tutoring, Alpha One provides a competitive salary that greatly rewards employees for their contributions, as well as a positive work culture, where respect, collaboration, and dedication are recognised with bonus and award schemes. Working with a young team also creates a dynamic work environment alongside like-minded individuals (who are all mostly on their university journey as well!). So, if you are thinking about applying to Alpha One, don’t hesitate to do so!
Alpha One provides staff with the opportunity to advance in areas that align with their university studies such as marketing, accounting, software development, hr etc. Join our team to kickstart your career as a tutor, marker or admin.
Working at Alpha One - What it’s like
Manager Testimonal
Thinking of joining our team? We interviewed our Bella Vista manager, Neya, who has been working at Alpha One Coaching College for 5 years, to get her insight of what it is like working here.
Can you tell me how your Alpha One journey began and how it has progressed?
My journey at Alpha One began in 2019 when I joined as a marker for high school writing papers. It was an excellent opportunity as I was already working as a private tutor for high school students and marking papers, which largely contributes to a student's learning. Within a couple of months, I was offered an admin position. At that time, Alpha One was still in its growth phase, and many of the processes and systems we have in place today were still being developed. It was an incredibly exciting time to be part of the company, as I had the opportunity to not only contribute to shaping these processes but also to see firsthand the impact they had on improving efficiency and structure within the company.
Fast forward to 2021, after two years of service in the admin role, I was presented with the opportunity to take on a management position at Alpha One. This was a significant milestone for me personally and professionally, as it allowed me to take on greater responsibilities and contribute to the strategic direction of the company. Today, as the manager of the Bella Vista branch, I am proud to lead a team of dedicated individuals who are committed to providing the highest quality education, support and customer service to our students and parents.
How has your experience working for Alpha One been?
My experience working at Alpha One So far has been extremely rewarding and fulfilling. Over the past five years, I have had the privilege of being part of a team that is not only passionate about education but also dedicated to creating a positive and supportive work environment.
One of the best parts about working at Alpha One is the opportunity to manage the Bella Vista branch. This role has allowed me to develop my leadership skills and grow both personally and professionally. I've learned how to navigate challenges, make difficult decisions, and be involved in multiple processes. The most rewarding aspect of being a manager is the opportunity to work with multiple teams across admin, tutoring, content creation, and more, all united by a common goal of helping students achieve their academic goals and fulfilling parent requests. It's incredibly fulfilling to see the positive impact that our work has on the lives of our students and their families.
Another highlight of working at Alpha One is witnessing the company's growth and evolution over the years. From our beginnings with a single centre to now having branches in North Parramatta, Burwood, Epping, and Bella Vista, it has been incredible to be part of this journey. With each new branch and expansion, we have introduced new systems, processes, and services to better serve our students, and being able to contribute to these initiatives has been immensely gratifying.
What are some ways in which Alpha One provided you with the opportunity to progress career-wise?
At Alpha One, we firmly believe in providing our staff with ample opportunities for growth and advancement. As a growing company, there are always new challenges and opportunities on the horizon, and we encourage our employees to seize these opportunities.
In my own experience, I've been fortunate to have had the opportunity to progress from a marker to an admin and eventually to a managerial role. Along the way, I've had the chance to take on additional responsibilities, such as managing the marking team and overseeing hiring and training initiatives for both marking and admin roles. These experiences have not only allowed me to develop new skills and competencies but have also provided me with the invaluable leadership experience that will serve me well in my future endeavours.
I've also seen firsthand how Alpha One rewards hard work and dedication. The company offers various bonus schemes and recognition programs to celebrate the achievements of its employees. Additionally, top-performing tutors are often offered other roles such as mentorship positions and are involved in the hiring and onboarding processes of new tutors, further highlighting Alpha One's commitment to employee development and growth.
I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities I've had at Alpha One and look forward to continuing my journey with this amazing company.
Alpha One provides staff with the opportunity to advance in areas that align with their university studies such as marketing, accounting, software development, hr etc. Join our team to kickstart your career as a tutor, marker or admin.