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60 Second Interview: Software account manager
The secret to success at work? Never underestimate the power of relationships. That's the advice of software account manager Anna Fynn.
Name: Anna Fynn.
Company: First Insight.
What is your job? Account manager.
How long have you been doing this job? 1.5 years.
Education
University: City and Guilds of London Art School.
Degree Subject: Fine Art Painting BA (hons).
Qualifications: International Baccalaureate.
1. What was your very first job?
My very first job was babysitting for people in my local village.
2. What did you want to do when you were at school?
At school I wanted to be an artist. I knew I wanted to go to art school and paint all day long!
3. How did you find out about the industry?
I had a good art teacher who encouraged me to do my own research, reading and go to galleries.
4. How did you get there?
I wouldn’t say I was there, haha! I’m not exactly in the job I would have said I wanted in school. I did a Foundation art course when I came out of school. I then went to art school.
When I finished that, I got a job in a ceramics studio, and had my own studio so I could keep painting. From my experience in ceramics I became a ceramics buyer for a home decor wholesaler. I worked there for nearly three years and really enjoyed it.
When I moved back to London from where I was living in South Africa I knew I wanted to get out of buying, and sort of stumbled upon this job I’m in now. It’s a software company that does predictive sales/product testing for high street retailers.
5. What is a typical day like?
My weeks work on a two/three day cycle. My job is to be the face of the company. I meet with my customers buyers, explain the software and take the brief for the test run. I gather all the information for testing the product they want testing, and then feed back the results to the buyer once the test has been run.
6. What’s the best thing about your job?
I love the team I work on. They are great people! I think it matters more that you like who you work with, than you like your work.
7. What is the most challenging thing about your job?
Never underestimate relationships. It’s so important to get on with people.
8. What advice do you have for people who want to do what you do?
Hmm hard one. I would like to think I’ll be in a job managing a team. I really enjoy working closely with people.
9. What things do you wish you’d known before starting your career?
I wish I had understood how people-focused I am.
10. Where would you like to be in 5 years?
Hmm hard one. I would like to think I’ll be in a job managing a team. I really enjoy working closely with people.
