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SALES - LOUISE SMALLBONE OM'18
What is your profession and current position?
I am a Commercial Apprentice at News UK. This is a two-year course where I work in month-long rotations around the commercial floor, and I am also studying for a Level 4 Sales Qualification at the same time.
How did Monkton get you ready for the world of work?
Monkton taught me how to spin many plates at once. Going into the workplace is not just about how well you can work, it's about your interpersonal skills, your communications skills and your professionalism. Monkton gave me a really good foundation wherein I learnt to hone many different skills, all of which I can put to use both at work and in my personal life.
What is your biggest professional achievement?
A month into my job I won my first sale, I was working in Fashion, Luxury and Beauty for The Sunday Times STYLE Magazine at the time and an advertiser had just dropped out. Winning that sale last minute and 24 hours before the magazine was set to print gave me a lot of credibility at work, and also gave me a lot of encouragement.
What has been your most challenging professional moment?
This is my first job post-uni. I was unfortunate in being at university during the pandemic, and I consequently lost a lot of opportunities and internships. I was really worried about finding a job straight away but I put the hard work in; I networked, cold-called many people in media and applied to 30+ schemes. Eventually, the hard work paid off and I was offered the job I have currently.
What inspires and motivates you at work?
Being back in the workplace gives me a lot of energy, I love hearing people on calls to clients in the office and just generally chatting to people around me. Also, that feeling of winning a sale, especially if it's a tricky client you've been dealing with, is such a good feeling. That feeling of accomplishment and relief is definitely a motivation for me.
What is one piece of advice you would like to share with pupils or OMs about getting into your profession?
Be confident in yourself. Half of the battle with being in sales is about believing you can sell that deal and believing in yourself. Keep a cool head, work hard and above all, be kind. People want to work with others who have compassion.