5 minutes with… Onojeide Christiana

When did you join Corps and what does your current role involve?

I joined Corps in May 2019 and work as a security officer at Warner Music’s building in Kensington. I keep the building and people safe, welcome visitors and make sure there’s no unauthorised entry to the site. I also spend time in the control room monitoring the CCTV.

Can you tell us a little about your career background / what was your first job?

After leaving education, I worked in a bank in Nigeria as a customer service officer and a cashier. I travelled back and forth to the UK for a time and settled here permanently in 2017 with my husband. Three years ago I took some time off to have my little boy and after that I moved into security because I had strong customer service skills thanks to my previous role. Initially I worked across several sites covering holidays and sickness absence before working full-time at Warner Music.

What’s your favourite thing about your job?

I love making people happy. When I can deliver what a customer needs, then it gives me a buzz. When our client gives good feedback about our service, it’s great.

What are the main challenges you face in your daily role?

Occasionally we can get difficult customers. But I’m lucky to work as part of a wider team and we support one another to deal with any kind of situation.

What would you say has been your biggest highlight whilst working for Corps?

I was covering holiday at a site when some people attempted to force their way into the building. I spotted them on CCTV and confronted them. It turned out to be a test and I was commended for the professional way I dealt with it and given a voucher as a ‘thank you’. Another time I’d covered holiday for someone a couple of times. When she came back, she said the client had commented how polite and responsible I was which was really nice.

If you weren’t in security, what would you be doing as a career?

I’ve recently completed an HND and am doing a top-up qualification in computer science. I’d really like to be a data analyst working in the NHS. When I was younger I wanted to be a nurse so this is my way of supporting the health service.

What do you like doing outside of work?

I’m spending much of my time studying and doing coursework at the moment. But when I’m not doing that, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our son.

What is on your bucket list?

I once watched a film about Japan and it really struck me as such a fascinating place. I’d love to spend some time in Tokyo.