Pros
The position for which I initially interviewed would have been considered a lateral move from my previous position. Upon interviewing with the HR Manager, she immediately recognized many of my strengths. She went above and beyond to look elsewhere in the company to find a role that would be more challenging, rewarding, and generally a better fit for my capabilities. I was later contacted to come back to interview for a higher level position within a different department. Upon accepting the company’s offer, the position I filled is a developmental role in which I learn all areas of the business over an extended period of time. Once fully trained, I will move into an Outside Sales/Account Manager role. This is the first time my department has had someone in the Sales Rep Trainee program but other departments have found success in filling their Account Manager openings with these trainees. I did not have all of the experience the company requires for an Account Manager; however, this program was designed for the company to train someone like myself who may have the capability to learn the technical side of the business and mold them into a successful Account Manager. This was an amazing entry point for someone who has great work experience but would thrive in a technical and competitive environment at a company that holds their employees to high standards and expectations. Benefits and compensation are absolute positives as well.
Cons
There were a few struggles with determining the proper place to begin training; however, it was really because each area of the department could use pieces of my skills and time. While things were scattered very early on, my training plan has come together nicely. Also, it wasn't the worst thing to be needed by several different areas upon starting at a new company. The dress code is business formal. This is something I thought would be very difficult to get used but I found that I actually enjoyed working in such a professional environment. Instead of fighting this part of the culture, I found it very easy to embrace it.