My first job was during a pandemic: Hebroyn's Story

Two of our very own Sales Development Representatives joined us straight out of University and bang in the middle of a global pandemic.

Graduating in the background of COVID-19 must have been a sobering experience and we wanted to share their stories.

What is your name and job title?

Hebroyn D’Souza and I’m a Sales Development Representative.

Tell me a little bit about yourself

I graduated from the University of Leeds in the International Business & Marketing course and I’m now trying to learn & succeed in the SDR role, which is a new challenge in and of itself. Working in a Startup is a great opportunity to not only get experience but learn skills inside out, day-to-day from people who have a lot of experience and are more than happy to help out.

What did it feel like graduating and searching for your first role during COVID?

Graduating felt numb as everything was overshadowed by the Virus, but it was still great to know that I had completed a chapter of my education. If we do end up getting a ceremony, that's great. If not, it's not the end of the world.

Searching for a job, however, required persistence and dedication. There were a lot of rejections. A lot. However, I'm grateful for each of them as they led me in the right direction. I didn’t know I needed to work at a startup until I actually started working for FaultFixers.

How did you keep yourself motivated during your job search?

I didn’t - it was more a case of discipline and positive thinking. The right actions will eventually lead to the right outcome

What were you expecting when you got the job at FaultFixers and how did you think your first few weeks would look like?

It was tough at first when I joined, you’re thrown into the deep end. Learning, practising and getting on with it. I loved it though, it felt like I was being pushed - I like being pushed. Even though the role is tougher than I thought it would be, I’m surrounded by people who are there to support and guide me.

What is it like getting to know your team virtually?

It's fine, to be honest, it felt really fluid and natural - everyone is used to it and has grown up with communicating like this too. It would be great to get back in the office, however. But, we’ve done our best with the end of week drinks, games & calls. It's not been dull.

Are you enjoying working from home?

I do enjoy working from home, to be honest, but if there's building work going on it gets difficult. I’d like the option to come into an office - hopefully soon - and then we’re able to make the decision ourselves. Saying that it's still great to work from home as we’re able to talk and collaborate regardless.

What do the next few years look like?

The next few years look like a lot of development personally and professionally - perfecting the SDR role and learning new skills to improve my performance in this role. Outside the SDR role, I want to learn and contribute to other areas of the business as I gain more experience - I look forward to helping the business grow as well as growing with the business.

What advice would you give to someone looking for their first job during Covid?

Don’t give up at all - stay positive and be consistent.