Marina, please tell us a little about yourself: where did you graduate from and in what degree? How did you join the company?
I graduated with honors from St. Petersburg State University of Economics (FINEK), with a degree in Accounting, Analysis and Audit. But after the graduation, having worked in this area for several months, I realized that the monotonous work with numbers was not for me.
I joined the company under general conditions, I was interviewed, and then I got the job offer. I undertook a course of training during a week before commencing my position duties. The education is necessary because the person working with customers should know absolutely everything: different procedures, rates, services and so on.
Please tell us more about how you got to your current position. How was your career progressing in the Company?
I have successfully passed the first stages of work and showed good results. Every day I felt that my experience and knowledge were increasing. In the course of my work it is necessary to communicate a lot with people remotely, as well as to appoint and hold meetings with the representatives of companies, being most commonly the employees holding the highest positions. Of course, in such situations it is necessary to look very dignified, to know all the processes, to be able to present them properly, so that the customer would like to work particularly with us. After six months of successful work, I moved to the position of Key Customer Development Manager, in which I am currently working.
Working with this company, I began to understand better that each error may affect the customer's attitude to the company and the custoner's impression of the company. Therefore, my level of responsibility has grown significantly due to the transfer to a new position. I now know all possibilities, all procedures from the inside - and it helps a lot.
What does your current job involve, and what do you think is the most interesting in it?
At the moment, I'm involved in teaching new employees and in their adaptation. I love to share my knowledge and experience, to give advice, to watch from the sidelines the development and results of the young people who have just joined the company. I work with the most complex and interesting customers that require an individual approach. I can say that at this level the area of responsibility is much higher than it was before.
What soft skills should a successful employee of the Customer Development Department possess?
Work in the company taught me a lot. First of all - it is the patience as the work with customers is impossible without it. I also learned how to convince people, in my opinion, it is very important. I constantly improve my ability to find an individual approach to each customer, because all people are different and it should be taken into consideration. In my opinion, the most important thing is to know what you want, and if you do not know, then try to understand it and do not be afraid to choose different variants.
How do you see your professional development in the Company?
Each employee of our company has unlimited opportunities for the development. This means that any successful and dedicated manager can grow professionally and eventually become a full partner of the Company. I am more than sure that this is not the end. I feel the strength and want to continue to grow and develop in TRAMIS.
How would you describe the culture of your Company that distinguishes it from others?
Initially, the company was small, family-owned. Now, we are growing, but continue to stay a strong solid team. The company's culture is distinguished by the devotion to traditions and principles. All this is reflected in the Company's Mission. Our company is always on the customers' side, looking for new ways of their successful development.
Please, share with us your secret of your long work in the Company. What exactly attracts you?
After working in other companies, I could not get used to the fact that the work in TRAMIS means a different perception and the conduct of business. For example, we guarantee our customers the final rates and delivery time, we prescribe by ourselves the penalties for their violation. All claims are to be considered within 2-3 days and in 99% of cases - in favor of the customer. We are always open to talk about any difficulties in the process of work. I like such an honest and open approach.
Pieces of advice to your future colleagues: What should a beginner expect in your department? Share your recipe for the success in the Company.
If you want to become a part of our team, you need to be prepared for a hard, laborious work, which is sometimes difficult, but always interesting. To become successful in the company, you have to cultivate your abilities, read the business literature. If you want to achieve something, you need to work a lot, sometimes overtime. The essential part of work must be performed within the working hours, but if you want to learn something new - you will necessarily have to stay late at work. The working hours from 9.00 to 18.00 are not enough to become truly successful. Of course, if you got to the point where you know and can do everything, you can take a break and stay in this state. But then again, you need to move forward.