The Next Level In My Career ⇒

In January last year, I started at ACL as a Sales Engineer. I chose ACL because it is a mature company and a market leader with a very well respected product suite. Its products are very well supported and they hire very smart people that advertise, market and develop the heck out of the software. They had some cool technology in the pipeline that I was looking forward to learning, selling and supporting. Unfortunately, things did not quite turn out they way I had anticipated, and in May of last year I decided I wanted to explore my options.

However, I did not immediately begin to look for work. Instead I hooked up with a past acquaintance of mine, Emma Hamer, who had started up her own business. With her help, I went through an extensive personal and career analysis to help learn more about myself and figure out the types of companies and roles that suit my strengths and personality. During this time I explored several different industries and roles, including property development, law and retail sales. In the end, I determined that high-tech sales was the best fit for me at this time as it would require no additional education nor a large career change (which means a large risk).

We figured out that I prefer to work at small companies, where the roles are less defined and each person does what is needed to make the business succeed. I also need leading technology to maintain my interest, as I get bored really easy. And lastly, I wanted a sales role, not a pre-sales role. Once I determined all of that, I began to look for a fit. My main challenge was twofold: 1. I don't have much direct sales experience 2. I am unwilling to start at the bottom of the sales organization

You can see how this made things difficult, eh? I kept getting people say, "If only had more experience", or "Are you sure you don't want to start in an inside role?", or "I have this pre-sales role for you." Needless to say, finding a company that fit all those requirements AND one that would hire me for the role that I was looking was took some time. And in spite of all my contacts and networking, the company that I ended up with I found on a posting on T-Net! So much for, "It's who you know!"

I am extremely pleased to announce that as of Feb. 4th, I will be The Level's newest (and only!!) Account Executive! The Level is a young (3 years or so), small company with neat technology and a kick-ass customer list. They have a great view in Gastown and a great company culture, that includes the Tuesday Cook-off, where two people have to make lunch for the whole company, and Friday Beer Briefs.

I can't wait to get going!! I can't remember the last time I felt this good about a decision and this excited to start work!