Tell us about yourself?
My name is Lucy, I'm from the North East of England and I am very passionate about all things: Sport, D&I, Tech (I guess!) and my cat called Crumpet. I have been at Softcat for 7 years and I work within the Sales Development Programme Management team and also as a Public Sector Account Manager, focusing on the Higher Education vertical.
What is your current role?
Senior Team Leader – SDP (Sales Development Programme)
What drew you to apply at Softcat?
I applied for Softcat straight from university. I had zero experience in the tech industry and to be honest, it wasn't a sector I'd even considered pre job hunt. When I came across Softcat I was drawn to the Account Manager role due to the obvious career opportunity, and all the glowingly positive reviews around the culture of the company. So ultimately, that's what made me apply!
Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give yourself at the start of the recruitment process?
Do your research and be yourself! My advice on research would be to understand the company and role you're applying for and what Softcat’s current goals, values, challenges and industry landscape look like. When you enter a panel or final interview, just be yourself and have the confidence to respond to questions authentically!
How has your Softcat experience been so far and is there anything you’d like to share with us which has been a highlight in your career?
My Softcat experience over more than 7 years to date has been amazing. I've been given countless opportunities to progress, challenge myself and best of all, enjoy myself in the workplace. Softcat have always been supportive of my future and have provided me with the best start possible in the tech industry and I am very thankful of that! I've been lucky enough to experience multiple career highlights such as qualifying for incentives, winning awards, etc. but my personal highlight would be starting and growing our Pride Network (LGBTQ+). The role of network chair gave me tremendous job satisfaction and allowed me to meet some of my closest friends, whilst also supporting other employees to be their authentic selves within the workplace.
If you have moved in your role whether that is within the team or inter departmental, could you please share your experience about the support that you have been given?
Progressing in Softcat is something that naturally happens for most employees, whether that's exploring management or simply progressing to a more advanced version of your existing role. Throughout these changes you are given support through the means of a mentor for guidance, L&D for training and support with your application from our internal recruitment team. The support available is fantastic!
What advice would you give someone thinking about joining Softcat?
Go for it! Why not become part of one of the fastest growing, exciting resellers in the UK tech industry? We win the ‘Great Place To Work’ awards for a reason!
Are you a part of any community currently?
Yes, I’m chair of the Pride network (LGBTQ+).
What do you enjoy the most about being part of this community?
Meeting like-minded people who can relate to your background and journey, whilst also having an absolute ball with colleagues in Pride Month!
What are you most proud of in your time at Softcat so far?
Alongside the creation of the Pride network, I would also highlight one of my proudest achievements to be the growth of our Sales Development Programme. Alongside Jade Stevens, we have grown the programme into an industry-leading sales team and watching the growth of our Account Managers and Regional Managers has been an amazing journey to be part of.