Ahmed Detta
Ahmed Detta (25) graduated from Lancaster University Management
School with a degree in Marketing.
Current Employer and salary
"I work with 2e2 (formally Prime) an IT services and solutions
organisation, in external sales where I am now a field account
manager earning a substantial salary including commission, bonuses
an
d car allowance."
Why did you choose sales as a career?
"At university I did a number of
work placements during the holidays including summer internships
with Price Waterhouse Coopers and Shell. I also worked in
telesales for the Chamber of Commerce and it was during this role
that I decided sales was definitely the right career for me.
I am a very competitive person and having a job that really pushes
you seemed perfect for me. Being under pressure to hit
targets really keeps you motivated and apart from enjoying the
whole environment, sales is also a great way to earn good money
quickly. Being able to support a good quality lifestyle is
definitely a bonus!"
When did you start your
career?
"I approached
Pareto Law after graduating in November 2003 and was placed with
2e2 by Christmas that year."
What have you found to be the best
part of your role?
"The thrill
of winning a sale!!! There’s nothing better than the feeling
you get when months of hard work finally pay off and you can see
the impact that has on the success of the business."
How has your career progressed?
"In less than three years I have
progressed from a new graduate recruit to a field account manager,
and there is still so much more I can and want to achieve. I
joined 2e2 as part of their internal cold calling team and within
three months moved to the commercial department as a business
development account manager. After six months I then
became involved with helping to recruit new sales recruits from
Pareto Law and in addition, I took on the role of training and
mentoring the new team members. After a year at 2e2 I was
then promoted to external sales field account manager."
How do you see your future developing?
"There are some fantastic
opportunities at 2e2, the company is a young, dynamic company and a
fantastic place for anyone to kick-start a career in sales.
My immediate goal for the next six to twelve months is to position
myself as one the company’s best sales people and take on more of a
management role as an account director."
Is there any advice you’d offer to others considering a career
in sales?
"Keep an open mind, try everything and don’t worry about making
mistakes. I think the fundamental mistake people make in
sales is living by the rule book. In my opinion, personality
sells, don’t be afraid to add a personal touch, be creative and
you’re bound to go far. Not everyone is suited to sales but
with enthusiasm, the desire to succeed and a little bit of
resilience it can be a great career with fantastic rewards."