Business Development Manager, Samantha of BICSc shares how she went from an Administrator to Business Development Manager in her career. Here’s her story…
Leaving school after my GCSEs, I planned on starting my career as a hairdresser, attending college, and then eventually working at a local salon. I came to the decision that this wasn’t for me, but then didn’t know what was, in fact ‘me’ either.
Over the next 4 years I worked in a variety of roles, including HR administrator and mortgage broker before becoming a mum in 2006. In 2007 I gave birth to my second child. During this time, I stayed at home and looked after my babies whilst my partner worked during the day. In 2008 I began working at a well-known supermarket in the evenings, after my partner returned from work I would start my shift. I loved the customer interaction and meeting different people.
By 2011 both my children had started school so I thought now’s the time to find something within school hours so we could enjoy family time together when they got home. I applied for the part time position of receptionist at BICSc, I was so pleased when I was invited for an interview. Unfortunately, the hours were just not convenient for what I was looking for, feeling down I put the interview down to experience and looked for further opportunities. Later that afternoon the interviewer called and said they were looking to open a new position as Resource Desk Administrator, and they would like me to consider it… school hours! I was delighted and took this opportunity straight away.
Walking into 9 Premier Court on my first day I was greeted by all my new colleagues who were so welcoming, there was only around 5 office staff at the time, 3 trainers, and external associates so it was easy to settle into my new role.
After working and gaining experience within the membership and customer support areas of the business, I was asked if I would like to help with organising the training for customers, I didn’t think that I would enjoy this, I was wrong! I loved it and in 2017 I became Business Development Manager. By this time the company had grown to around 15 office staff plus our trainers that were field-based.
I learnt that the cleaning industry was not just ‘cleaning’ but a set of skills that are very much underrated and not taken seriously.
I’ve completed many BICSc training courses since joining the organisation. I have realised that it’s a very specialised industry with many different job roles. I still have a lot to learn but am looking forward to developing my experience further.
Over the years I’ve met colleagues who have become great friends, one even being my bridesmaid when I got married in 2016, many more colleagues joining us for the reception in the evening, it was a wonderful day. We’ve had some fun at work too, raising money for charity – the popular ice bucket challenge, bake sales, Disney fancy dress, exercise challenges and even carpool karaoke to name a few. We’ve shared many good times and supported each other through the tougher times.
Our Annual Awards have always been popular in rewarding our members, and it is always great to meet customers and future contacts during this time. I have also delivered a presentation about the history of BICSc and presented an award at the ceremony. I’ve attended many exhibitions during my time as Business Development Manager including The Cleaning Show, in both London and Manchester, I have also attended the largest show of them all – Interclean.
I enjoy speaking with new customers, listening, and discussing their requirements to then provide costs, ongoing support throughout the organising and training stages to gaining feedback once training has been completed. Even though customers are contacting me to discuss training, I always learn and gain experience from them, and the specific part of the industry they are in.
10 years have flown by, and I can honestly say I am grateful for all the opportunities that have come my way, the support, and knowledge – and of course I love my ‘career in cleaning’. Here’s to another 10!
