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My time at HFG: Erena Dickens

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At HFG, we believe that the journey of each new team member is unique and worth celebrating. In our blog series, 'My time at HFG’, we sit down with our new colleagues to reflect on their first few months with us.

From insights into their experience to career growth and the challenges they've faced, this series offers a look into life at HFG. Get to know the people behind the scenes!

Next up is Erena Dickens, who joined our Finance team in October 2025.

The Journey

What attracted you to recruitment and, specifically, to HFG?
I’ve always loved working in people-facing roles and I wanted to continue doing that in an environment where I can make a difference. HFG offered the opportunity to do that within a specialised industry, while also providing the support and structure I was looking for to start my career.

How did you find the onboarding process, and what stood out to you in your first few weeks?
As a complete beginner, there was a lot to take in, but I found the training very structured and well organised. I loved how you’re encouraged to get stuck in straight away, with just the right balance of autonomy and guidance.

Experience at HFG

What has been the biggest learning experience for you since joining?
Navigating the insurance market. It’s a very complex industry and it takes time, experience and knowledge to navigate it effectively. Going through that learning curve has given me a real appreciation for the expertise within the team, I can see why my colleagues are so good at what they do!

How would you describe the company culture at HFG?
Friendly and supportive. Everyone is easy to get along with and made me feel welcome from my very first day. There’s a great balance between working hard and having fun.

Have there been any standout moments or highlights in your time here so far?
Probably getting to experience Christmas in the City shortly after joining. It was an exciting time to come on board and gave me a strong sense of the team’s energy and the vibrancy of the industry from the very beginning.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received from a colleague?
Always ask questions and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Especially in a complex industry like insurance, curiosity and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone are essential.

If you could give advice to someone considering a career in recruitment, what would it be?
Resilience is key. There will be times when things don’t work out, but if you stay organised, build strong relationships, and treat it as a long-term career rather than just a sales job, you can build a strong network and achieve real success.

Personal Interests

What’s something people might not know about you?
My name is pronounced “Elena” despite how it’s spelt 😉

If you weren’t in recruitment, what do you think you’d be doing?
Ideally travelling somewhere exciting, but realistically still pulling pints in a pub!

How do you maintain a good work life balance?
Switching off properly outside of work and keeping myself busy with lots of hobbies and social activities