Technical Presales Specialist Review

As a Technical Presales Specialist, my role involves providing server and storage builds for customers to match their requirements. These requests can be sent via the Sales team on behalf of the customer, or the customer has got in contact directly to discuss their needs and build appropriately. This can range from comparing against a vendor competitor, improving their current solution, or starting from scratch.

Since beginning the new role and enrolling on the programme 3 months ago, I've managed to develop a good base of knowledge on a range of areas of the business, from components that make up a PC/Server, to what software and networking systems are in place to support the hardware.

So far I am enjoying the programme. There is a certain extent of self-managing and planning out the day to ensure an acceptable amount of learning is undertaken. Being on the programme with 6 fellow colleagues does help in a collaborative capacity, as we can share our progress on the programme and help in areas we may be struggling on.

The programme did start off a little bumpy in terms of organisation and structure, as this is the first Technical Apprenticeship that the company has undertaken, and this may have contributed to the lack of cohesion and expectations of the programme. However, the company have taken our feedback on board as and when we have delivered it and it feels like the structure has improved significantly. This should mean that future apprenticeship programmes will have a more solid structure and organisation.

I receive a lot of support from my employer. I've been given the confidence to undertake studying and learning knowing that I have the full backing from the company. We've had weekly check-in sessions with the Apprenticeship Manager as a group, giving us the opportunity to air any grievances, issues, and feedback on the aspects that have been going well and our progress.

I do feel as though the training provider has quite a hands-off approach when it comes to providing support when working towards the qualification. There are bi-monthly meetings with the assigned mentor, however it feels much like it's to see how we are getting and setting dates to have certain things completed by, and less guiding us through the programme/qualification.

For me, I do feel like the programme (once completed) will have a significant impact on my ability to perform better in my role, as there is a lot of crossover between the learning and application in my job. I have found it's already helping me to understand certain aspects of my job and bring some context to real-life application.

Normally, prior to Covid, there is a quarterly social event which everyone who is part of the Social Club is able to attend. Everyone who is a part of the Club can make suggestions on what the next event will be and where it will take place. There are also informal meet-ups after work hours to socialize with colleagues. The company also hosts annual events, which covers performance in the company, future goals and Employees of the Year.

Yes

I've found Techdata to be an inclusive, encouraging and satisfying place to work. There are usually opportunities to develop in your chosen role, the chance to move to other departments, and always chances to learn a lot about the IT distribution industry. The company always seems to push the business further to reach its potential, whether that is large scale decisions with other companies, or pushing for equality in the workplace.

You can't understate a willingness to learn and the usefulness of 'soft skills' i.e developing strong relationships with colleagues/customers. These are definitely key attributes to have when applying to a company such as Tech Data, as they will give you the advantage, even if any IT experience may be lacking, as the company is more than willing to put in the time and effort to train the individual up.