At Tsunami Axis, graduates don’t just get a foot in the door – they get a seat at the table.

Six months into our two-year graduate programme, Emma Haldane, Ethan Jones and Bradley Easton have been immersed in client projects, true responsibility, and a fast-paced, supportive culture that encourages growth from day one. From technical training to supporting live projects, they’ve gone from graduates to rising talent — each carving out their own path in the commercial interiors world.

We caught up with the trio to hear about their experience so far: what they’ve learnt, how they’ve grown, and what’s next on the horizon.

From Classroom to Commercial Interiors

Our graduate programme is designed to rotate through sales support, account management, business development, and architect & design specifier sales. From the outset, graduates are involved in live projects, client meetings, internal training, and industry networking.

For Emma, who studied Interior and Spatial Design, the opportunity to apply her background in a real-world, client-facing setting was the key draw.

“It’s a great foundation,” said Emma. “You’re learning from the best in the industry while working with the biggest furniture brands in the world.” 

Ethan, who studied Accounting & Finance, and Bradley, with a degree in Marine Biology, saw the programme as a launchpad into a fast-paced industry that prizes drive, communication and strategic thinking.

Learning Skills and Confidence

From learning elevator pitches to managing multi-location projects, the first six months have been packed with hands-on experience.

“It’s not just tables and chairs,” said Emma. “There’s so much detail — how products are made, how to specify them, how to manage a project process from end to end.”

During their time in sales support, the graduates have developed a strong foundation in product knowledge, project workflows, and professional communication. They’ve gained practical experience in managing quotes and specifications, and in mastering systems and sales support software.

Internal training sessions delivered by Tsunami Axis leaders, alongside external sales training through Pareto, have helped each graduate build confidence and discover their personal sales style.

“We don’t just sell furniture — we sell a service,” said Ethan. “We’re gaining the tools to tell the right story in a way that connects with people.”

Real Projects with Real Impact

Each graduate has already had the chance to contribute to major projects:

  • Emma has supported four separate projects across the UK and EU for major tech clients.
  • Ethan orchestrated a complex sample presentation for a designer, coordinating over 25 products from 15 manufacturers and presenting technical detail with confidence.
  • Bradley co-led a project from start to finish alongside a mentor, earning trust and gaining full exposure to every stage of the process.

“We’re trusted with real responsibility”, said Bradley, “but always supported by brilliant mentors who guide us every step of the way.”

Challenges to Growth

Of course, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing.

From navigating complex product specifications to managing client expectations, the team have had to learn quickly, lean on their colleagues, and adapt fast.

“Each client wants something different,” said Ethan. “You can’t just say no — you have to find the right solution.”

“The biggest challenge for me was learning how much I didn’t know,” added Bradley. “But Tsunami Axis lets you figure it out. They support you but also give you the space to fly.”

Culture Driving the Trio Forward

“Everyone wants you to succeed,” said Emma. “It’s competitive in the best way and you always feel backed.”

The team have formed valuable friendships, learnt from sales leaders, and embraced the vibrant company culture — from team socials, supplier dinners and networking events to Tsunami’s annual poker night, which Ethan helped organise.

What’s Next?

Each graduate has just begun their next rotation:

  • Bradley now supports T-A Labs, with the goal of landing and running his own laboratory life sciences project from start to finish.
  • Ethan has joined the EcoClear team, passionate about tackling waste in the furniture industry through the circular economy.
  • Emma has moved into Account Management, eager to grow her own client base and build long-term relationships.

“The rotations have helped us understand where we thrive,” said Emma. “You learn what you’re good at and what actually excites you.”

So, where do they see themselves by the end of the programme?

Emma wants to be a fully-fledged account manager with her own client base, Ethan’s on a mission to drive sustainability forward across the business, and Bradley has his sights on continuing to build a name for Tsunami Axis in life sciences.

Advice for Future Graduates

Their advice to future graduates is to be open, curious, and ready to learn.

“Go for it,” said Bradley. “You get out what you put in. Use the people around you. Ask questions. Attend the events. Speak to everyone. Make mistakes and learn from them.”