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January has always felt like a natural moment for fresh beginnings, but this year, I may have taken that idea a little too literally. Starting a brand‑new role at Amberjack whilst recently moving house and planning my wedding for March might sound slightly mad… and honestly, it probably is. But as I wrap up my first month, I can say with complete confidence: it was absolutely the right move.
From day one, I’ve been blown away by the energy, talent, and sheer forward‑thinking mindset that runs through Amberjack’s veins. Joining an organisation during such an exciting period of innovation has been nothing short of inspiring.
One of the highlights this month has been meeting so many brilliant, passionate people who are deeply committed to pushing boundaries in early talent and volume hiring. The level of expertise here is incredible, but what stands out even more is the creativity, every conversation has sparked new ideas, fresh thinking, and genuine excitement about what’s possible.
Amberjack’s reputation for innovation was one of the things that drew me here but seeing it first-hand is something else entirely. Our bespoke assessment tools are unlike anything I’ve seen in the market, not just tailored but truly crafted to fit each client’s unique needs. These aren’t your usual off‑the‑shelf solutions; they’re immersive, creative experiences designed to showcase the employer brand while drawing out meaningful insight into candidate potential.
At a time when candidate engagement is absolutely critical, especially for Gen Z and the emerging Gen Alpha workforce, this level of creativity isn’t just impressive, it’s essential.
One of the most exciting things I’ve learned about this month, is our growing capability in AI‑enhanced assessments. The potential here is enormous, not to replace human decision‑making, but to enhance it, making hiring fairer, faster, and more personalised. And our AI Assessment Tool is breaking the mould on being able to assess candidates’ ability to utilise AI, considering critical thinking, prompting and AI fluency, Adaptability and of course Human Judgement.
Amberjack is uniquely positioned to lead in this space. With our blend of psychometrics expertise, tech innovation, ethical design principles, and focus on candidate experience, the AI assessment tool we’re developing has the potential to reshape how organisations identify potential in the years to come.
Beyond assessment, I’ve also been hugely impressed by the creativity in our attraction and employer branding work. The campaigns our teams build aren’t just visually impactful, they’re strategically designed, insight‑led, and laser‑focused on engaging the right audiences.
Gen Z and Gen Alpha expect storytelling, authenticity, and standout digital experiences. The fact that Amberjack’s campaigns don’t just keep up with these expectations but actively set new standards is something I’m incredibly proud to now be part of.
A Month In… And So Excited for What’s Ahead
If month one is anything to go by, I know I’ve joined Amberjack at exactly the right time. Despite the chaos of unpacking boxes and finalising wedding plans, I couldn’t be more energised by the work that we’re doing and the people I get to do it with.
There’s a tangible sense of momentum here, a belief that we’re not just responding to the future of early talent, but actively shaping it.
I can’t wait to see what the next few months bring. Here’s to new beginnings, bold ideas, and an incredible journey ahead!
About the Author:
Vicky Raper is a Solutions Director at Amberjack, specialising in Early Careers strategy and talent transformation. She began her career after graduating with a degree in Business and Human Resource Management, followed by an MSc in Occupational Psychology.
Before joining Amberjack, Vicky spent eight years at Korn Ferry, where she progressed to Global Director of Early Careers, leading large‑scale programmes for organisations around the world. Originally from the Northeast, she lives there with her partner and their two Cavapoos, Ginny and Mabel.
