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Before starting at CCS Media, I was working for a relative in a construction-based role. However, if I’m honest, I really enjoy socialising and talking to other people, so I was looking for a job that best suited my personality. I also wanted a role that offered progression, especially as I got a bit older and developed my skills. I knew several people who already worked for CCS, and they spoke very highly of the company and culture, so I decided to apply.
I joined as an apprentice in September 2020 and currently in the final stages of completing the course. The first year of the scheme focuses on developing a feel for the company and learning the basic skills needed to become an Account Manager. The next stage of the programme is joining transition team, where I work at the moment, which means I’ll spend the next two to three years working closely with my manager to hone my skills before joining an established sales team.
I like to categorise my day which helps me to manage my time, as that is something I struggled with before joining CCS. Often, my morning starts with a team meeting. This is where we decide our focus for the day and what we want to achieve from it. A large amount of my time is currently dedicated to prospecting for new business as this a key objective for the transition team.
I also like to allocate time for account management as this gives me an opportunity to deal with live enquiries from current customers and ensure they are being managed sufficiently.
I’d have to say transparency. Whether its senior managers or the salespeople around me, everybody is open and honest, which makes me feel comfortable in my job. I’ve got a level of support that not only ensures I have the correct knowledge needed but also enables me to do the best job I can. I’m a firm believer that I’ve got to the position I’m in today because of the support network I have around me. It allows me to constantly develop and learn new transferrable skills that I can use in and outside of work.
Sometimes I wish there was more time in the day! I love speaking to my customers and constantly problem solving for them.
Go for it. You’ll never know how good you’re going to be at something unless you give it a try. Take the role head on and give it 100%, because if you don’t make the effort to fully understand the job or what’s required of you, you won’t fall in love with it. If you’re a people person and want to develop yourself as an individual, it’s the right place for you.
Sales is a very demanding job, it fluctuates a lot and is based on performance, but if you give it your all it can be very rewarding.
To the top! I’m only 19 years old, so I’m in two minds about where I want to go in the future. I could either move into management and then become a director or stay in sales, working my way up to becoming one of the top salespeople within the business. I like to think ahead, but I don’t want to get too far ahead of myself at this point in my career.
Currently I’m more focused on where I want to be in the next two or three years, once I’ve reached that point; I can revaluate my goals and decide which path I want to take.
Absolutely. James, our Managing Director, he’s from a similar area to me. He was just a normal lad who came in, worked hard and is now leading the business. It’s inspiring because I look at him and think if he can do it, so can I.
What sets CCS Media apart from other companies in my opinion is the fact that our directors and senior management team are approachable. They’re happy to give you advice and support as well as their time. That means a lot to me.
For me it’s great. The office is always lively and a fun place to be. The vendor days and incentive trips that we run really bring people together. Culture is a big part of what we do, especially in our office here in Bradford, we’re constantly inviting vendors in and planning events.
Since I joined, I’ve always been motivated by the rewards on offer. For example, I was recently at York Races for a weekend which was a prize for winning a quarterly incentive scheme. I also won apprentice of the year for 2021 which got me a spot on the Vegas trip! It felt great to receive recognition for the work I’m doing. As people were valued by the company regardless of our level or title, which really sets CCS apart from others.
