In this blog, Junior talks more about his career within Convins and how Convins has supported him in it. Curious? Then read on!
About your career within Convins...
What positions have you held within Convins and what position do you hold now?
I entered Convins in 2020 as a Sales Agent with no experience. After working as a Sales Agent for 1 or 1.5 years, I made the move to Team Captain. I worked as Team Captain for 6 months and after this I became a trainer/coach. On January 1, 2024 I made the step to Operational Manager. Currently from January 1 to July 1 I am in a program to become Operational Manager and the intention is that from July 1 I will have the title Operational Manager of our Apeldoorn office!
Was it always your ambition to advance to the Operations Manager position?
Since I had no experience in the sales world, a role as Operations Manager was not immediately my ambition. I was eager to gain the necessary experience first. After gaining the required knowledge of both sales and the organization, my ambition to hold a management position grew. This was also stimulated by my personal goals and my studies in Business Administration, in which I had always aspired to a managerial role.
What challenges have you encountered along the way during your transition from Sales Agent to Operations Manager?
Above all, creating the right support within the organization to both the Sales Agents, and the management. I came in as a Sales Agent and had to prove myself again to everyone in each role. This constant process of proving myself showed me how crucial it is to be consistent in my work and to gain trust from my colleagues and throughout the organization.
What are some key lessons you learned during your transition into management?
As a manager, effective communication is crucial. Conveying information, but also listening to your team members, showing empathy and the ability to be clear and transparent. It is important to be flexible and adapt your leadership style to different situations and individuals within your team. Time management is critical. It is essential to manage your time well, prioritize and work efficiently to meet deadlines and achieve goals.
How has Convins supported you during your transition to a leadership position?
Convins has provided the right guidance every step of the way. With every step I make, we entered into trajectories where we evaluate at least monthly and make adjustments where necessary. This continuous guidance and feedback has helped me tremendously to grow and further develop my skills within the company.
What tips do you have for startups at Convins who have a desire to grow?
Make sure you excel in your current role and express to your supervisor that you would like to take the next step (eventually). By being actively involved and expressing your ambitions, you not only create opportunities for yourself, but also show that you are ready for further growth within the company. This proactive approach can open doors for new opportunities and encourages a positive and supportive relationship with your supervisor.
Where would you like to be yourself in 5 years in terms of development?
My goal in five years is to play a key role in promoting the growth and success of this company and be high over fully involved in the entire organization, including Utrecht, Alicante and Valencia and act more at the strategic level.