Matthew Tsehaye

As a Merchandise Sales Assistant, I supported the retail operations of one of the world's most important, live motorsport events for emotional, detailed memories. In fast-moving, high-energy environment with thousands of people, I was able to deliver service excellence to customers while connecting with fans and helping them navigate the purchase of official event merchandise and memorabilia.

My job was to communicate directly with customers, assist with product questions or requests, and positively impact their shopping experience by making product recommendations. I developed excellent communication skills while working directly with many different types of customers, including children, families, and motorsport fans. I was expected to be engaging, professional, and enthusiastic about the event while providing exceptional customer service at all times.

I processed cash & card transactions accurately & efficiently, ensuring customers received prompt service during busy periods. Even when working under pressure, I paid attention to detail when processing payments, managing stock, and responding to customer inquiries. I assisted with the setup of merchandise stands and organised product displays and maintained sales area cleanliness, attractiveness, and presentations throughout the festival.

Due to the high volume of customer traffic, teamwork was critical to my success as an employee. I worked with my supervisor and other team members to effectively queue customers, restock merchandise to meet demand and maintain retail operations.

This experience helped me develop my confidence as a person who interacts with customers face-to-face, improve my ability to communicate effectively under stress and provide a high level of customer satisfaction in a busy retail setting. Additionally, I gained valuable experience working in retail sales, executing event operations and working collaboratively to contribute positively to the overall experience of tens of thousands of customers attending events.

The BYSA Summer Programme in Birmingham has given me the opportunity to serve as an Assistant Coach, supporting the delivery of sports and recreational activities for young children over the summer. I assisted the Lead Coaches with providing a safe, fun and inclusive environment for children to develop their sports skills, gain confidence and work together as a team.

My duties included supporting the planning and organisation of daily training sessions, preparing equipment for training sessions, supervising games and activities while supporting children through drills and game play. I provided encouragement and direction to the children to assist them in understanding the instructions provided to them as well as improving their skill set. All children were included and engaged in the activities, regardless of ability.

I provided my participants with positive role modelling to show them good sportsmanship, respect for others, teamwork and developing your skills and abilities as a person. Supported the management of groups of children and dealt with any issues that arose, while ensuring the activities were run safely and effectively. I built strong communication and interpersonal skills through regular contact with children, parents and other coaches working in the programme.

This experience allowed me to further develop my leadership, responsibility and organisational skills, while also providing me with valuable experience working with youth in a team-based setting. It has also helped me to build confidence in mentoring youth and supporting their personal and social growth through sporting and physical activities.