Networking and Security Specialist (Sales Associate) Review

I am aligned to the Networking and Security business in which I am learning about key technologies, vendors, go to market propositions, and how we engage with customers through shadowing my team. When I am not shadowing or helping my team with tasks, I am on rotations around the business where we learn about the different functions and how they work. Finally, I spend a large proportion of my time working towards my assigned tasks given by Pareto.

Our rotations and independent learning have significantly increased my understanding of the VAR market, plus the technologies within our industry. There are also opportunities to present, and has increased my abilities to do so. Within these rotations, we also work in groups, and so has ensured my teamworking abilities remain fresh. The apprenticeship with Pareto helps to consolidate this learning.

I am always busy and learning new things. The teams around me are fun to engage with and offer support where they can. The social aspect is particularly good, in which a strong sense of community is built. There is never a day which is the same, providing excitement to the programme.

The rotations are built into our calendars, as well as the training days with Pareto. This gives predictability around the core of our learning, and allows us to supplement with extra learning opportunities around the edge.

Support is offered from several different perspectives - e.g. the role itself, assessments, and personal. Where support is needed, it is relatively easy to get access to this.

Our training provider is always on hand whenever we have questions and will schedule calls to check in on our progress

The training often provides a refresher on content I may already be aware of, and so is a good check of my learning. Our training lead offers unique perspectives from their own experiences to help to guide our own work.

There are plenty of activities - socials, sports events, professional networking etc. Even if a particular event hasn't been established, a group can be created.

Yes

The exposure to leading technology and vendors helps to build your network and build a great understanding of the IT market. The level of senior support is excellent, and provides great visibility to accelerate your career. The program is well structured and provides a logical path to build your skills and knowledge. With this, there are opportunities for coaching and mentoring to build your abilities. The company is very sociable, particularly sales. The program stretches you, and pushes you out of your comfort zone - I believe this is a great way to learn.

- Remember it is a sales-led organisation - consider this in your applications by using sales-related vocabulary and examples (determination, solving problems, clear communication etc.) - Research the company - understand our tech sourcing, professional services and managed services business. Our integration center capabilities are also a highly important differentiator for us. - If you are applying to sales, understand what sales is and why you want to work in sales. Secondly, why IT sales. And thirdly, why IT sales at Computacenter. - Be prepared with well-thought out questions for your interviewer.