Q&A with Ollie Quinn-Palmer, Head of Client Partnerships at IDP, on 10 years at IDP

At IDP, our people are our greatest assets. Our team members are trusted experts across various disciplines, but also collectively driven by the desire to help prospective students find the right higher education fit for them.  

Perhaps it’s this shared passion that has led to a strong and supportive sense of community across our offices.  We work together not only as colleagues but also as friends, celebrating one another’s successes, collaborating for a greater purpose, and finding solutions in the most innovative ways. For these reasons, among others, many of our IDP colleagues stay with the company for ten years or more.  

Today, we’d like to celebrate a remarkable milestone, recognising the outstanding service of Ollie Quinn-Palmer, Head of Client Partnerships at IDP, who has officially been with IDP for 10 years.  We caught up with Ollie to hear about his IDP journey so far.  

1. How has IDP as an organisation evolved over the last 10 years?   

 I joined in 2015, as part of Hotcourses. The change in that time has been incredible to witness, and to be part of. When I first joined, I was part of a sales team that were keen to create more meaningful partnerships with our university clients, and being acquired by IDP in 2017 was a massive step in that journey. One thing that definitely hasn’t changed in 10 years is the passion that I see in people for higher education and its purpose. I felt people were as passionate about that in 2015 as they are today, which is great to see.   

2. What aspects of your role do you find most fulfilling, and what keeps you engaged after 10 years?  

I’d say the passion people have for making the absolute best of themselves - I think that is what drives me, ultimately. I love that what we do enables people to fulfil their potential, and in my role, I hope that I can play some small part in my team doing the same. I’m really proud that I’ve been able to help members of my team progress in their career and develop new skills, and that’s always incredibly motivating and fulfilling. I also really love hitting the targets and objectives we set as a team.   

3. What are the most significant changes you’ve seen over the last 10 years in the higher education sector (in the UK and abroad)?  

In the UK, things have nearly come full circle since I joined. In 2015 the attitude towards international students was quite hostile here in the UK, with no post-study work and a government that was expressly seeking to drive down net migration. After a boom period for recruitment, it feels like much of this sentiment is returning here in the UK, but also globally. It’s really important that we in the sector continue to champion the benefits that international students bring to our campuses, towns, cities and economy. Not just financially, but to our culture.  

4. Can you share a specific project or initiative you're most proud of contributing to over the past 10 years, and why?  

 I’m really proud to have been part of the Maher program in 2018, and as a graduate, I have encouraged many colleagues from within IDP to apply. Many of these have progressed onto the full programme, and it’s incredibly fulfilling to see these people go on to do amazing things.   

5. What's the most valuable lesson you've learnt during your 10 years with IDP? 

To look after yourself! We all really care about our roles, and sometimes this can be all-consuming. I have really had to learn to ensure I devote time to family, self-care, exercise and time to reflect in order to be the best possible version of myself. These things actually make you more effective, even though it sometimes seems like taking ‘time out’ isn’t an option.   

6. Over the last 10 years, what have you loved most about working at IDP?   

Hands down, the people. Most specifically my team. Every day I am in awe of the work they do and what brilliant people they are.   

7. How have you grown as a person working at IDP over the last 10 years?   

Well, I’m now a husband and dad, so those are two pretty big changes! For those who don’t know, I actually met my wife downstairs at the IDP London office, so I technically owe my entire life to IDP…  Seriously though, I’d like to think I have grown over these years, and have learned as much from mistakes and failing in my time here than I have from the successes.   

8. What do you believe makes IDP a unique place to work?   

I really value the supportive nature of our culture and our attitude towards people. We are all focused on achieving goals, but I’m always confident that IDP and our leaders want to do the right thing by our people, and our students. I see this daily and I think it’s rare to have teams that are so focused commercially, but do not lose their empathy, heart and passion.   

9. Where do you see the company headed in the next 5-10 years, and what role do you envision for yourself in that future ? 

I’m excited to see us cement ourselves as the quality player of choice for people wanting to achieve study abroad aspirations. I think we are uniquely placed to change the lives of more people than ever, and I want to be an integral part of that. I’m ambitious, and I want to learn, so I want to contribute to that vision however I can. I’d love to continue in roles that get the best from people, whatever shape that takes.  

10. If you could give advice to yourself 10 years ago, knowing what you know now about working here, what would it be?  

Take the time to enjoy it all. Work at IDP can be 1,000 miles an hour, but don’t just move onto the next thing. Reflect, and learn before you move on!    

Find out more about careers at IDP here.