In this Meet the People of APM Q&A, we meet Jessica Allen, who found her transferable skills have led to global opportunities with APM.
She joined APM in Australia in 2019 as part of the APM Communities team, and in 2023 decided to step outside her comfort zone and pursue opportunities. Jessica headed to the UK, and with support from APM, took on a finance-related role with Ingeus (part of the APM Group, delivering services across employment, health, justice and youth programs in the UK).
The skills she'd been enabled to develop in her first role have led to her success in a new field and testatment to APM's commitment to the growth and development of our people.
Let's meet Jessica...
Tell us a bit about you and your career so far
I joined APM in early 2019 as part of the Local Area Coordinator team for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). In this role, I supported individuals with living with disability to access essential resources and services, developing a strong foundation in case management, client-centred support, and APM’s core values of empowerment and responsiveness.
When I decided to pursue a new challenge in 2023, I proactively sought a transfer to the UK to join Ingeus in a department focused on finance, benefits, and debt relief. Although this field was new for me, the skills I developed early on - understanding people, managing cases professionally, and upholding APM’s values - were highly transferable. APM’s investment in my professional growth enabled me to adapt quickly and thrive in this new setting.
How has APM supported your career?
APM"s support has been key to my career growth, providing both professional development and opportunities for international mobility. From my initial training as a Local Area Coordinator to my recent transition to a financial advisory role, APM has consistently invested in my skills development. My leader in Australia was alwasy incredibly supportive, always encouraging personal growth within the team. APM’s focus on transferable skills and case management fundamentals has allowed me to thrive in a new field while upholding the company’s values.
What do you enjoy about working at APM and your role?
I enjoy the diversity and impact of my role, as well as APM’s inclusive culture that values contributions from all levels. Working in the justice system has allowed me to support clients as they reintegrate into the community and manage their finances effectively. The core skills and values that APM instilled in me from the beginning have been instrumental in making a real difference, regardless of the specific part of the business I'm working in.
What can you do at APM that you couldn’t do anywhere else?
APM’s global reach and open structure provide unique opportunities for professional development and cross-departmental experience. The ability to work closely with leaders and transition into new fields, such as financial management, is a rare benefit that has been invaluable to my career.
Have you been involved with APM’s Wellbeing programs?
Yes! APM’s Wellbeing Programs have been particularly helpful during my transition to the UK, providing support and helping me maintain a healthy work-life balance as I adapt to a new field.
Have you made the most of any of APM’s Benefits on offer?
I’ve benefited from APM’s commitment to the development of its people, which has provided training and resources that allowed me to transition from disability support to financial advisory work. APM’s professional development benefits align with my personal goals to grow within a supportive environment.
Advice for those interested in joining APM?
If you’re passionate about making a positive impact and eager to grow in an inclusive, supportive environment, APM is a fantastic place to build a fulfilling career. Take advantage of the open-door support from leaders and embrace the chance to develop new skills across various fields.
What's one sentence to describe working at APM?
Working at APM is an enriching experience that combines global opportunities with a culture of empowerment and support for personal and professional growth.
On a more personal note, in your free time, what do you enjoy doing?
In my spare time, I enjoy catching up with friends and family in the UK - it's great to spend time connecting with them. APM’s support allowed me to bring my two dogs, Ben and Kevin, along with me from Australia to the UK, which has been amazing.
