Alex Preston
Alex Preston (30) graduated from Staffordshire University in
1999 with a 2:1 BA(hons) in Geography.
Current Employer and salary
"I work as an Account Director for IT solutions provider,
Dataplex Systems,"
Why did you choose sales as a career?
"When I graduated I wasn’t certain which industry I wanted to go
into but took a temporary job in gas and electricity sales by way
of a stop gap. I wasn’t enjoying the work at all – it was low paid
with no prospects and I wanted something with more of a future
where I would have the chance to progress and develop my career.
When I came across an advert for Pareto Law in a graduate careers
prospectus, it stood out as just the thing I was looking for so I
gave them a call and was lucky enough to be placed with Dataplex
within just three months."
When did you start your career?
"I contacted Pareto towards the end of
1999 and was immediately called for an assessment day. After
passing the assessment I went to a couple of different interviews
before joining Dataplex in January 2000."
What was the biggest challenge in the
sales environment?
"For me, the biggest challenge was getting to grips with the
industry. Building up contacts and developing business can be
difficult when you are new to sales and new to the industry in
which you are selling. It takes a lot of hard work to get up to
speed and can be a bit of a rollercoaster ride but practice makes
perfect and the more you put in, the more you get out of it."
What have you found to be the best part
of your role?
"The rewards that a career in sales can bring are by far the
best part of the role. The sales industry is fast moving, dynamic
and varied with everything from the thrill of winning a new deal,
to developing relationships with clients bringing great job
satisfaction. The role is very varied and every day brings
something new – from a business meeting with a new prospect, to
entertaining clients at the football or rugby. On a financial
level, the high salaries and benefits create a good quality of life
and I have been lucky enough to travel extensively and invest in
property whilst in my twenties."
How has your career progressed?
"I joined Dataplex as an Account Manager in 2000 and progressed
to an Account Director role in 2005. My role is very similar, but I
work to higher targets and manage larger accounts. My current role
has also given me the chance to mentor a new graduate – also from
Pareto – and I am supporting and coaching him as he progresses in
his role."
How do you see your future
developing?
"I would like to progress to manage a small team of junior
Account Managers, developing my people management, coaching and
mentoring skills. I would also like to grow to manage even bigger
clients, learning new skills and taking on new challenges to build
my experience."
Is there any advice you’d offer to
others considering a career in sales?
"The sales industry can be challenging at times and you have to
really put the effort in if you are going to succeed. This can
sometimes seem daunting but if you remain committed and look to the
long-term benefits, this will help keep you focused. If sales is
really where your passion lies, your drive and enthusiasm will help
carry you along and will inevitably lead to your
success."