Candidate stories: Danique Broekema
Gepubliceerd op 17-05-2023
The eager Danique is expanding her organizational skills with hard sales skills. Immediately after graduating, she stepped into the technical world at Schneider Electric. Through the Women in Sales DevelopHer Academy, she is now combining her work with training. We spoke with Danique about her experience.
From a degree in hotel and event management to a technical job at Schneider Electric. Can you tell us more about how you got here?
“I was in the process of graduating for a while, which took longer due to the Corona pandemic. At that time, I was already looking for my next step, but I wasn’t sure what that would be. Hotels and events were all shut down, so I started thinking about my other skills. I posted a message on LinkedIn stating that I was open to new challenges, and soon I was contacted by Sabine (WiS). Then I had a very nice conversation with her, after which I went through the application process at Schneider Electric. I also spoke with Sonja (current manager) and a few other colleagues during that process. Both parties were pleased, and two weeks later, I started.”
“Everything seems difficult until you’ve done it once.”
Can you tell us more about your current role and your feelings about the organization?
“When I saw the position of ‘inside sales representative,’ I could envision myself in that role. It’s a special industry, especially since I’m not from this background. As you hear more about the story behind the products, you start to understand how large the organization is. The products are generally of great importance, and it’s nice to contribute to that. Sales is essentially still sales, and I actually find the technical world interesting. Not every aspect, of course, but I find it intriguing to learn how the technology works. In the beginning, I didn’t have that realization. For example, now when I walk by a distribution board, I know that Schneider is behind the technology. The nice thing about this position is that I don’t need to be a technician.”
“Since July 1st, I became an inside sales representative. A part of the company was acquired by another organization. During this sale, many colleagues were sold along, including someone who was previously working as an inside account representative. Then Sonja, my manager, asked if I wanted to take over this role. I saw that as a great opportunity that I had to seize.”
You are currently involved with the DevelopHer Academy; is that manageable alongside your traineeship?
“I actually find it a nice combination, because the academy meets every two weeks. What I appreciate about the training is that it is personal. There is, of course, a common thread in what Sabine wants to convey that day. Additionally, there is always room to discuss the challenges we face at work. That’s helpful, because we address the issues we encounter that day and can immediately apply them at work the next day. There’s no strict script, and our input is listened to. The atmosphere during the training is open; you can share anything with each other, which makes it feel like a kind of support group. I find that very comforting.”
How did the process with Women in Sales go for you?
“I first spoke with Sabine via Teams last October, and we had a few more calls afterward. Then she recommended me to Schneider, and I had that conversation via Teams as well. Sabine called me soon afterward to let me know that Schneider wanted a second interview, which was really exciting. In the meantime, she called to see if I needed help and told me what I could prepare in advance. I could call her anytime, regardless of the hour. The second interview was at Schneider’s office, and afterward, I called Sabine right away. Just half an hour later, I received a call back with good news. The follow-up process went quickly and smoothly. The following week, I was at Women in Sales to sign the contract.
Sabine had asked if Amber could join us so I could meet her, as she would also be a future colleague. This ensured that I already had a familiar face on my first day at Schneider. A month and a half later, I was ready to start!”
