Dave Chapman

Dave Chapman (28) graduated from Wolverhampton University with a degree in Business Studies.

Current Employer and salary

" I work for SSP – an organisation which provides software solutions for the global insurance and financial services product distribution chain.  I work as UK Sales Manager on a six figure salary (OTE) plus a car allowance." 

Why did you choose sales as a career?

"As a student I was never certain of which industry I wanted to go into, but I saw University as a way to open doors and get my foot on the ladder of a successful career. Being quite a competitive person, I felt I would thrive in a sales environment and I was lucky enough to get a job through Pareto. The pressure to hit targets keeps me motivated and the harder you work, the more you are rewarded. A career in sales offers high earnings and a great quality of life and if you work hard, you can quickly progress through the ranks. Five years ago I started as a trainee so to be where I am now in such a short space of time is a great achievement."

When did you start your sales career?

"I was still a student in my final year of University when I first approached Pareto. After graduating in the summer of 2001, I was placed with SSP by January 2002."

What was the biggest challenge in the sales environment?

"I would say that the biggest challenge is keeping your feet on the ground. I came straight out of University at just 21 years old into a highly paid job with a company car. I quickly moved up the ranks, earning more and more as I went. As a young person it can be very easy at this point to sit back and think that you’ve made it, when in fact there is still a long way to go and a lot of hard work to be done before you reach the top. You have to keep striving and hitting those targets no matter how well you think you are doing. As a graduate there are also certain expectations of you to do well and be the best, which can add extra pressure to an already busy role."

What have you found to be the best part of your role?

"Without a doubt the best part of the job is the thrill of signing a deal. To win a sale after months of hard work is a great buzz. You feel like all the effort you put in has finally paid off and it’s this that keeps me motivated. The commissions and benefits are a by-product of all this hard work."

How has your career progressed?

"I joined SSP five years ago as a Trainee. 12 months later I was promoted to the New Business Team in a role which involved sourcing new business contacts for the firm. Another 12 months later I was made Account Manager for the New Business Team and two years after that I was made Business Development Manager sourcing new corporate accounts. I was in this role for just four months before I was promoted to my current role of UK Sales Manager where I now manage a team of eight staff."

How do you see your future developing?

"SSP is an ambitious, dynamic organisation and I feel I am still young enough to progress within the company to Sales Director level. I would one day like to be at the top of my game here at SSP."

Is there any advice you’d offer to others considering a career in sales?

"Remember that although sales roles are well paid and can result in a fantastic lifestyle, it’s not just about the money. Sales can be very hard work and your heart has to be in it if you are going to succeed. The harder you work the more you will be rewarded and if you put the hours in while you are young and really strive to go above and beyond your targets, you will benefit in later life both in your career and in the type of lifestyle you can achieve."