Professional Title:
Account Manager
Can you share your career journey and how you arrived at your current position? Please include education, volunteering, work experience, etc.
I went to College for Graphic Design in hopes of working in marketing and publications. When I graduated, I immediately got a job offer from a local printing company as a customer service representative / graphic designer. Needing some type of entry position I accept and started to learn. Little did I know that I would advance further then Graphic Design and within the 11 years, would open a new location within the company and reach a height of Account Manager.
What motivated or inspired you to pursue this field?
Working in sales and being an Account Manager was never a career field that I had dreamed of or knew I had wanted until I was in it. I had a great leader who helped push and direct me onto this path. Today I’m glad I pursued it.
Were there specific challenges or obstacles you faced in your career, and how did you overcome them?
The biggest challenge has been age and gender. In an industry that is dominated by males, it is sometimes tough to be taken seriously as a young woman. Fortunately, I work with a great team who have helped and encouraged me to keep pushing through.
What aspects of your job do you find most rewarding?
The most rewarding aspect is being able to meet new people everyday. Helping customers bring their marketing ideas to life and teaching them all the possibilities of print is the best part of the job.
What aspects of the job do you find challenging or less enjoyable?
It can be a very fast paced environment, some days are long and filled with many problems.
What advice do you have for someone starting in this field?
Meet people! Make the effort to go see clients in person. Getting to know your clients in a face to face environment is rewarding and they appreciate a friendly face over emails/phone calls.
How do you stay current in your field, or do you engage in ongoing professional development?
Attending trade shows helps keep me up to date on machinery, new features, etc. in the industry but the main goal is to stay current with clients and we do that by attending social events, LinkedIn, etc.
Did you have any mentors or role models who influenced your career choice?
I don’t necessarily have any on my direct career path but I can definitely say my parents have been my biggest role models and have provided me with a hard working mentality that has helped me along my journey.
Comments