Tell us about yourself?
I joined Softcat in October 2021, after 4 years working at a health club and realising I had an interest in working with customers and in sales. I wanted to work somewhere where the money I could earn was scalable and there was a clear progression path for my career. I knew that there was potential for both at Softcat. I chose not to go to university as I was keen to start working, and I feel like the experience I’ve gained during my time at Softcat helps me to know that I made the right decision for me.
What is your current role?
I am a Networking & Security Specialist, and a Team Leader. I work with customers to support them with any networking infrastructure requirements they may have, and help them build out their Cyber Security strategies. I also support on the delivery of ongoing projects in a sales capacity. In addition, I’m a Team Leader for our Solutions Development team, heading up the NetSec team in their first year at Softcat. My managers and I are responsible for their learning and development, helping to grow our next generation of Specialists.
What drew you to apply at Softcat?
The earning potential, the people and culture, and the clear development opportunities. Everything that would make for a successful career.
Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give yourself at the start of the recruitment process?
Be yourself, 100%, and show how hungry you are. We hire people we feel are suitable for the role, but we also hire based on personality and the more we can see this in your interview, the better. I want a diverse team around me to both challenge me and encourage my full potential. If you are successful in your interview and offered a role, I would strongly encourage you to throw yourself into the opportunity as much as you can and put yourself out of your comfort zone.
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 journey has been brilliant, and I have experienced some things I never thought I would. From a week in Ibiza, to charity balls, to incentive trips and days out, the first couple of years were a bit of a whirlwind. It's also been great to push myself outside my comfort zone, to learn something completely different to what I had done previously and know that I am capable when I put my mind to something. Learning about new technologies, working with customers on projects and closing deals has been a totally new experience, but one that is so rewarding - the sales buzz doesn’t wear off! A career highlight for me was moving to Team Leader position in 2023, this was a goal of mine from the moment I started and I managed to progress quicker than I ever imagined which I'm really proud of myself for.
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?
I moved from the Marlow to the London office and received great support on my decision, both from the team I was leaving and the team I was joining. I would recommend to start the conversations as early as you can, and be really clear about what you want.
What advice would you give someone thinking about joining Softcat?
Do it! Think about what your skill set is, and where you want to get to in your career. If you are passionate about working with customers, looking to earn well and interested in learning something new, then a role at Softcat would be perfect for you.
What are you most proud of in your time at Softcat so far?
I am proud of many things I have achieved at Softcat, but mostly for the progression in my career in a relatively short space of time. Leading a successful team and seeing what they all achieve, while balancing my own growing sales target, certainly isn't easy, but I am really proud of myself for this.