Sales Apprenticeship Review

Here at Softcat I have roles and responsibilities as an account executive to try to sell solutions and internet technology to businesses. I work in the cooperate section so i sell into businesses where as other account managers will be public sector so that is schools and university’s. My day to day roll includes managing my accounts and ensuring that all my customers demands are specifically met. As well as that i am always trying to build my customer account base by cold calling into new accounts. As an account manager i always have to be focussed as so much can be going on in one period of time and if you don’t keep on top of things then it will be to difficult.

I feel like since starting here at Softcat I have improved my punctuality, my Organisation and my ability to Go into situations and push myself out of my comfort zone. Futhermore, i also feel like i have improved my confidence levels. This is encouraged by going going into customer meetings etc.

I love the programme that I am on, the reason behind this is mainly because of the positive vibe around the company and the type of people that are all employed in the business. Every day that i go to work even though it is sometimes stressful I always have a smile on my face and enjoy coming to work.

My Programme is very well structured. Since joining the business we have had a schedule for when we learn certain topics and certain training days that we attend. This is done because if we do things without a structure it will be impossible to maximise the topics of training as there is so much content

I receive so much support from my employer, I am confident that if i ever am worried about work or something outside of work I am very confident that I can approach my employer and discuss my problems or need for any extra support. I always try to discover things myself so i am able to learn myself personally

I always receive support from my training provider when aiming to get my qualifications in areas in which i need the support to learn as an apprentice. Each quarter throughout our apprentice year we are learning how to drive the right behaviours and habits as a successful salesman and this is pushed by our KPI’S ( key performance indicators). I receive monthly one to ones with my training provider as well as frequent discussions about my KPI’S and any areas in which i may underperform I will get the necessary support and advice to push on and move forward.

I believe that my qualifications with my training provider enables me to achieve success within my role. When I come in I am constantly learning and taking in so much information on a day to day basis, if I am ever unsure I am confident that my team leader will help to maximise my knowledge to help me be a better sales person. From receiving the extra support and help from my provider it helps me in my role as a professional.

There are plenty of social activities around the whole of the business. Softcat as a business ensure that all staff enjoy coming to work and the social events and the incentives for staff who work hard and achieve success are what differentiates us from every other company. To improve the work relationship into a friendship bond Softcat host party’s to celebrate yearly events such as; Christmas parties, Halloween parties, Founders day, End of year ball, This list will go on. As well as encouraging staff to stay active and physically healthy Softcat will get staff discounts at local gyms and stretch and yoga classes, and hiring football pitches to encourage people to bond. Furthermore, having in house doctors, to ensure anyone who is poorly in treated and looked over immediately. Every day the opportunity’s to create highlights of a lifetime is what encourages me to maximise my efforts on a regular day to day basis.

Yes

I would recommend a friend to the business for a whole range of reasons. Softcat have such a unique way of treating their employees with the upmost respect that it promotes a positive vibe around the entire business. There is so many different departments and different pathways in the business that it is impossible not to find a career path for the future and opportunities to trial everything with a positive drive and a enthusiastic mindset.

My top few bits of advice before applying into the business would be to mainly research into the industry and what you are applying for so you are mentally prepared for questioning on the business and priorities as it highlights a skill of independence and intelligence if you are aware of the company’s priorities and history. Furthermore my other part of advice would be to be yourself and be passionate about wanting to have a career and be successful as that shows the drive you are willing to put into the program before it starts.