Candidate stories: Amber van Heinsbergen
Gepubliceerd op 17-11-2023
Amber exudes a soft and warm energy. With a degree in Cultural Anthropology and a passion for sustainability, she strives to make the world a better place every day. Not exactly a typical commercial profile, yet she works as an Inside Account Representative. How did this transition come about?
You've been at Schneider Electric for a while now. Can you tell us more about your role and the company?
“I’ve been working as an Account Representative at Schneider Electric for about a year now. I started with a traineeship in inside sales through the DevelopHer Academy and grew into my current role. It’s been an interesting journey. I was one of the first DevelopHer trainees and ended up in Sonja Boots’ team, my manager. We primarily focus on digital sales. Initially, Schneider had a more traditional approach, driving all over the country to meet clients in person. To make this process more efficient, they set up the Inside Sales department. At first, we connected with clients digitally, supporting Field Sales. Now, we’re growing into a more independent sales department, managing more on the account management side. My role has evolved as the team matures. Soon, my focus will shift more toward maintaining these accounts, as my role becomes broader.
Together with a technical manager, I provide commercial support while the technical manager dives deeper into the product details. I also visit clients more frequently now. It’s fun but also a bit nerve-wracking, I must admit. The technical aspects aren’t my strong suit yet, but I’m comfortable with the commercial conversations. We aim to build long-term partnerships by staying in regular contact with clients, whether over the phone or through in-person visits, ensuring it’s not just a one-time order but a lasting relationship. The Inside Sales team is truly positioned to turn clients into long-term partners.”
"I would never have ended up in sales on my own. I am very glad that I chose this path."
You mentioned that your path to Schneider was unexpected. How did that happen?
“When I tell friends and family how I ended up at Schneider Electric, I always find it funny. I come from anthropology, so my background is really in social studies. I also did a degree in International Development. I was searching for jobs in a completely different field when Sabine van Knijff reached out to me. I was struggling to find the right role in the development sector, so when I got a spontaneous message from Sabine on LinkedIn, I thought, ‘Why not?’ When she called, my first question was why she thought my profile suited a sales position. Sabine explained that sales is all about communication and finding your voice, discovering who you are, and developing your sales persona. I was the first trainee to go through the DevelopHer Academy for the Inside Sales team at Schneider, so I basically got private lessons from Sabine. Later, Danique and Minck joined the team. Looking back, I’ve learned so much in just one year.”
How have you experienced the transition to a technical company?
“At first, I wasn’t immediately drawn to Schneider Electric, but my curiosity was piqued. It’s a very technical company, and I don’t have a sales background, so I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I do. Initially, I was focused on products like sockets and circuit breakers, making calls for campaigns. Now, I’m working more on positioning Schneider Electric as the ‘most sustainable company in the world.’ We’re launching more campaigns and pitching new products. Sustainability is a huge part of my role, and while I’m not technical, I don’t think I ever will be—and that’s okay. I’m passionate about talking about sustainability and the future, which is something we all should be engaged with. That’s what fuels me in this job. If it weren’t for the broader mission, I think I’d feel a bit lost in the technical side, which I’ll never fully grasp.”
Finally, how do you see your future?
“What I’d love to do at Schneider is eventually focus on selling solutions, speaking to consultants and clients who are genuinely interested in the sustainability story behind Schneider Electric. It’s no longer just about switches or circuit breakers. This is where I feel most at home, and maybe I’ll also get involved in some of Schneider’s charitable projects or their work with NGOs. That could be something I explore more in the future. I see myself leaning more toward sustainability and inclusivity within Schneider. And to be honest, Schneider is such a large company that I’m not sure where I’ll end up. That’s something I’ll figure out in the coming years.”
