Technical Presales Specialist Review

My role involves providing technical assurance for customers. This can be by providing advice or solutions sent by the sales team working with a customer, or a customer can contact directly. I also currently do a lot of training and learning to improve my knowledge to pass certifications that are required.

Since moving into the technical presales role and enrolling on to the apprenticeship programme, I have learnt many new skills and developed my knowledge further on a range of technical areas including but not limited to, networking, cloud technologies and virtualization, hardware components, operating systems, servers and many many more.

I enjoy taking part in the programme as I am able to learn new things. I have to ensure that I am planning my time wisely and planning out my day to ensure I am dedicating enough time to my learning. I also enjoy that there are other colleagues on the programme with me which provides encouragement and support as we can share our progress on the programme and help one another if required.

Initially there were a few hiccups with the apprenticeship provider in their organization and communication so there was a lack of clarity at the beginning with the expectations of the programme. Earlier communication of programme information would have helped further, however, this is the first technical apprenticeship the company has provided so I would say these were just a couple of teething issues as once we provided feedback, we were listened to straight away and supported and this was quickly resolved. Since then, the structure has improved greatly. I think our feedback at the start will have set a good foundation and structure for the future.

My employer provides a huge amount of support. I have been given the opportunity to develop my skills and knowledge and I know that they will always support if there are further studies I want to undertake for my role. We have weekly check-ins and catchups with the apprenticeship programme manager also where we can state if we have any concerns, issues or where we are up to/how we are doing which is really helpful.

I feel that more support from the training provider when working towards our qualifications would be welcomed. They check in on how we are doing with monthly meetings, but it is to see where we are up to or how we are rather than guiding us through the course qualification/our learning.

I feel that when I eventually complete the programme, it will have a huge impact on my ability to perform in my role. What we are learning in the apprenticeship program can be applied in my day to day role. I have found it's helping me to understand certain aspects of my job so far and will really help my technical knowledge further with coming from a non-technical background previously.

Due to covid regulations, currently there are informal calls after work hours to socialize with my colleagues. Prior to covid, these would have been in person meet ups. The company also hosts events to provide updates on performance in the company, future goals and aims of the business and to announce winners of Employee of the Year. In the technical community there is also a technical forum hosted every year that involves updates from vendors and a social gathering afterwards. The company regularly hosts mindfulness sessions that we can get involved in also.

Yes

Since starting at Tech Data, I have always felt supported, and I find it is an inclusive, encouraging and an enjoyable place to work. There are opportunities to develop in your role and progress and there are always opportunities to learn further. The company is keen to support its employees and improve the business and they also provide regular surveys to give us an opportunity to raise our voice.

My advice would be to have a willingness to learn and succeed. Tech data is happy to support those who may be lacking in experience by providing training and apprenticeship programmes, but developing soft skills and being keen to learn will help you in your journey. Tech data is a really supportive company and I encourage you to take any opportunities if they arise!