Aisha graduated from Durham University with a BA in Economics and Politics and joined our Sales graduate scheme in 2010.

As a member of the Alliances & Partners team, my role is really varied. In fact, it touches all aspects of the Sales & Marketing function. I’m able to engage with Sales Directors across sectors, in order to consider how to best manage partners on a particular opportunity. I’ve worked with members of staff on the sales process at a very high level from day one. While the first few months were spent being immersed in the organisation and the requirements of the role, in the short space of a year I have been able to progress to a Junior Alliance Manager role.

This role is all about developing ‘go-to-market’ strategies with key strategic partners that will help deliver business development opportunities for Atos into the relevant vertical markets. As an example of this, I’m currently working with two of our strategic partners on an account and portfolio mapping exercise. This will identify potential opportunities to target new customers with new joint propositions or to target existing customers with a development path.

Once a lead is translated into a qualified opportunity and moves along the sales cycle, I work with the Sales teams from both sides to ensure that the best value is being extracted from the relationship to secure the opportunity. The role demands a lot of versatility in being able to understand the different motivating factors for all parties involved and being able to manage these relationships in the best way possible.

In the time I’ve been at Atos, I’ve felt fully in control of the direction I want to take my career. I find it easy to consult with my manager and other colleagues to define what I want to do in my role and how to go about it. There’s plenty of guidance readily available if you ask for it.

So my advice for any new graduate considering a career at Atos is: be yourself. Your individuality is highly valued here and your lack of experience isn’t a hindrance to developing relationships with more senior members of the organisation. More specifically for graduates considering a sales career, your ability to adapt and learn quickly will serve you well. Be proactive by speaking to people not only in your team, but other areas of the business too. The more people know your name, the more opportunities present themselves. But most of all: enjoy yourself!