Rating
- 1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
- 2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
- 3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
- 4. How valued do you feel by Softcat?
- 5. How well organised/structured is your programme?
- 6a. How much support do you receive from your training provider?
- 6b. How much support do you receive from your employer?
- 7. How well does your salary/package meet your costs?
- 8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?
- 9. Would you recommend Softcat to a friend?
- 9b. Why?
- 10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Softcat?
I am currently a Corporate Account Executive. and the role includes focusing on the growth of existing accounts and the acquiring of new business from both Corporate sector, and non-profit organisations. In addition to this, we are tasked with managing our time to achieve and exceed set targets and KPIs, whilst monitoring account performance We also spend the majority of the day liaising with clients to ensure satisfaction and trust; offering a consultative approach to Account Management.
Throughout the apprenticeship, I have developed stronger inter-personal skills, through the daily communication with customers, colleagues and vendors. Not only this, but the role has helped me gain confidence, through frequent presentations and often having to step out of my comfort zone.
The apprenticeship program is brilliant, it is abundantly clear just how much Softcat want to invest in the future with the scheme, through various training sessions and call-out days to ensure we are in the best position possible for the end of the apprenticeship and making the transition into an account manager.
Very valued, even the small things like all of the senior leadership team being located on the same floor as the sales unit, rather than having their own office. The culture of Softcat is very fun and friendly, and this can be seen at company events as well as the day to day role.
The Softcat apprenticeship program is very well structured, having been equally divided between on the job work, Remit training (covering our technical knowledge and coursework required) and Natural Training who focus more on sales techniques, and how to develop as an account manager.
We have monthly training sessions with Remit and Natural, but both of our trainers are easily accessible via email or mobile, which is always beneficial if we have a question.
As apprentices we are provided with lots of support, mainly from our apprentice manager who is in fact our direct report, but also from other areas of the business who are always happy to answer any questions we may have. Monthly one-to-ones with our apprentice manager helps us to focus on our personal goals, and develop within the role more effectively.
The salary and commission structure is much better than I had associated with an apprentice wage before joining. Uncapped commission helps us to work even harder and generate more sales as we know that we can be recognised financially,
Softcat are very generous with company events, since I joined in August we have had the privilege of attending 6 parties, courtesy of Softcat for the business' continued growth. Softcat also engage with many charities, including Comic Relief where I actually had the opportunity to spend the evening answering people's calls who were looking to donate to Comic Relief. I also take part in the Monday night football which is funded through the company also.
Yes
Simply because it is such a fun environment to work in, considering the IT industry tends to have a reputation for being rather dull.
The application process is brilliant, but tricky. Make sure you are fully prepared and organised by researching the company, and industry heading into the interviews, as this will put you in a good position to answer any questions. I would also stress that is worth fully understanding the role itself, because it is sales is not for everyone!
Details
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Information Technology
South East
May 2018