Maria Drye
Maria began her career at PGC as a US Expansion Consultant with a strong background in recruitment and business. She will be supporting our clients with their US expansion strategies and plans whilst also enabling our continued growth. We spoke to Maria to find out what a typical day entails and learned some fun facts about her along the way!
1. What is your job role?
I am a US expansion Consultant here at PGC. I help existing recruitment and staffing firms based in the UK and internationally enter the North American and Canadian markets. I am here to help them transition their contractors, give them market information, help them with their strategy and growth plans to expand their market position out there.
2. How/why did you get into the staffing/HR industry?
I’ve always had a big passion for the staffing and recruitment industry. I'm a big believer that companies are fueled by their talent. Given that a third of everyone's life is spent working, I think it's really key that the employer and candidate match is a genuine and honest match.
3. What is one interesting thing you learned this week about the industry?
I’ve always known that the US market is incredibly complex but the most thing interesting thing I have learned so far is the margins staffing agencies work with in the US in comparison to the UK. For contractors, I’ve seen nearly double what the margins are in the UK. So the vast opportunity available in the US is huge. The difference in US notice periods was also interesting to learn. In the US employment is ‘at-will’, so in terms of how quickly the contract market can move, it can just change at the drop of a pin.
4. What has stood out to you about working with PGC so far?
I would say the people. Every company or firm is all about the people and it has been amazing to meet so many market experts at PGC. I can't believe the amount I've learned so far so it is really exciting to see what's to come.
5. When does your competitive streak strike?
My competitive streak strikes when there is an end goal to be achieved. I like to get there first, put my head down, and complete the task with accuracy and to the best of my ability. It is always beneficial to learn along the way.
6. What is your idea of the perfect day?
I love to start my day with a HIIT workout followed by a good coffee. This would be followed by exploring a new city or town and then ending in a restaurant with good company.
7. If you could eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would that be?
I think it would have to be pizza. If it could be topped with breaded chicken, that would be the perfect combination.
8. What is your most used emoji?
The laughing emoji. 😂 Followed by a love heart. ❤️
This or That?
Do you prefer tea or coffee?
Coffee.
Starbucks or Costa?
Starbucks.
Tropical destinations or cities?
City breaks
Books or TV?
I would love to say books but probably TV.
Cats or dogs?
Dogs.
Elevators or stairs?
Stairs.
Interested in finding out more about the PGC team?
Meet the team here!