In this blog, we explore the career paths of three remarkable women at Thor - Malin, Anita, and Vanessa - who have each forged their own routes to success. Their journeys highlight the value of internal growth, the impact of mentorship, and the importance of embracing new opportunities with confidence.
At Thor Companies, career progression is more than just a pathway - it’s a dynamic journey shaped by ambition, adaptability, and support. For many women at Thor, this journey has taken them across different roles, industries, and challenges, allowing them to develop and thrive in ways they never expected. The ability to grow within the company, take on new challenges, and continuously evolve has been a defining factor in their success.
Thor is committed to creating an environment where women are empowered to pursue their ambitions, break barriers, and redefine what career growth looks like. Whether it’s moving into leadership, switching industries, or stepping into operational roles, Thor provides the support, mentorship, and opportunities to help women succeed.
Malin’s career at Thor began in recruitment, focusing on a niche market in Sweden. Over time, her ambition and talent for building relationships led her to a new challenge - Client Partnerships. Today, as the leader of the Client Partnership team, she plays a strategic role in growing Thor’s key relationships, attending global conferences, and advising partners. She thrives on the opportunity to engage with industry leaders, understand different markets, and implement client development strategies that drive long-term success.
“The most rewarding part of my role is seeing the impact of our services and being part of someone’s journey,” Malin shares. “I also love learning about different markets and applying strategies accordingly. Being able to witness the company’s growth and evolution over the past five years has been incredibly fulfilling.”
Thor has supported her progression through leadership coaching, PRINCE2 certification, and a strong culture of mentorship. She credits the organisation’s willingness to invest in her professional development as a major factor in her career success.
Her advice to women looking to grow in this space? “Be confident, build strong relationships, and take ownership of your career growth. Flexibility and strategic thinking are key, and surrounding yourself with the right mentors can make all the difference. Don’t be afraid to step up in leadership conversations and advocate for yourself - your voice and expertise matter.”
Anita’s career started in the lab, where she was deeply involved in scientific research. However, she soon realised her true passion lay in problem-solving and collaboration. She wanted to stay connected to science in a more dynamic way, which led her to recruitment. Making this transition wasn’t without its challenges, but it ultimately allowed her to combine her technical expertise with a people-focused career.
“Connecting talented professionals with the right opportunities is incredibly rewarding,” she says. “I love seeing how the placements I make help both individuals and companies grow. Plus, no two days are ever the same, which keeps things exciting!”
The shift from a technical research role to a commercial environment had its challenges, particularly in learning client management and business development. Anita tackled these obstacles by leaning on her team, actively learning from every interaction, and applying skills from her previous career, such as analytical thinking and attention to detail.
“The skills I developed in the lab- problem-solving, data analysis, and adaptability - have been invaluable in recruitment,” Anita explains. “They allow me to build trust with candidates and clients while providing deep industry insight. Having worked in science myself, I can genuinely relate to the challenges and aspirations of the people I work with.”
Her advice for others considering a career change? “If you enjoy working with people, solving problems, and seeing the impact of your work, recruitment can be an incredibly rewarding career. Your previous experience is more transferable than you might think. Surround yourself with supportive mentors, be open to learning, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone.”
After working as a Recruitment Consultant, Vanessa sought a fresh challenge that would allow her to use her expertise in a new way. She moved into Thor’s Contract Services team, quickly advancing to Contract Services and Compliance Manager. In this role, she oversees compliance, risk management, and contractor care, ensuring that processes are both efficient and legally sound.
“Moving from a sales-focused role to an operational and compliance-driven position was a big shift,” Vanessa admits. “I had to prove that a recruiter could successfully transition into a leadership role within the back-office team. I overcame this by being proactive, upskilling, and leveraging my recruitment background to make our processes more strategic.”
Her success has been recognised in tangible ways, she was recently promoted and even won Thor’s “Biggest Impact” award. Vanessa takes pride in knowing that her contributions extend beyond recruitment, influencing both compliance strategy and sales operations. She believes that stepping outside her comfort zone and embracing new challenges has been key to her rapid career progression.
“The most rewarding part has been driving real change within the business,” she says. “Whether it’s streamlining compliance processes, improving contractor experience, or influencing sales strategy from an operational standpoint, I’ve been able to make a tangible impact. Knowing that my work contributes to the company’s long-term success is incredibly fulfilling.”
Her advice to others? “Career progression isn’t always linear. Be vocal about your ambitions, and don’t underestimate the value of your existing strengths. There are many paths to success, and sometimes the most rewarding opportunities are the ones you least expect. If you’re considering a career change, take the leap - you might just find your perfect fit.”
At Thor, these stories reflect a culture that values career development, internal mobility, and the individual aspirations of its people. The company believes in providing the right tools, training, and opportunities for women to succeed at every stage of their careers. Whether you’re looking to transition into a new field, move into leadership, or explore different specialisations, Thor is a place where ambition is nurtured, and growth is encouraged.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your career, explore the opportunities at Thor - because your journey to success starts here.