Business Development Executive Review

Before I started working at Akkroo, I never thought I could enjoy a job as much as I have done this year! I feared that I would go home every evening dreading the next day's work, but this couldn't be further from how I feel at Akkroo. Working within a growing, hard-working sales department is exciting and has boosted my motivation to pursue a career in this area. Top team, top company and a top placement year.

Working within a small team (started at 12 people, now on 25) has allowed me to develop strong relationships with each individual in the company! With regular team lunches, away days and socials over the year, my colleagues have turned into mates. I always get the feeling that everyone values and appreciates the hard work committed by the whole team.

The first month of my placement I worked very closely with one of the sales managers who introduced me to each component of the business and role. He did a great job in ensuring I felt welcome and comfortable within my new environment. Over this time I met with various employees in order to gain an understanding of how each department contributes towards the success of the business. The support I received was great, however, having a permanent, senior SDR (line manager) would have been beneficial as they could track my progression and key a closer eye on developing me as an SDR. I have been able to create my own SDR process, which I loved, however having the senior experience would helped.

The success of my role depends very much on the effort you are willing to put into it. In this sense, I always had campaigns I needed to complete throughout the day. There is always more working you can do to further the number of leads you are collecting in the month. These tasks sometimes vary, but our day-to-day goals are very much sculpted around boosting leads and getting quality campaigns out.

As an SDR, the pressure of bringing in enough leads to fill the sales teams pipeline is always on your shoulders. You have the responsibility of generating the initial interest from new business. Other than this, we have had various tasks to complete, such as leading the recruitment process for future interns and conducting market research at trade shows.

I have learnt more about business in the last year than I have done throughout my whole time studying at school and university. Working within a start-up has allowed me to develop my knowledge in all areas of the company. From marketing campaigns to engineering technicalities, I have tried to soak up as much information and knowledge of how a successful business operates. This will be a hugely beneficial for me in my final year as I can now join up the dots between the theories I have learnt and the practical experiences I have encountered. Do to their open office and flat organisational structure, I will feel much more confident going into future employment with the skills I have developed here at Akkroo

The culture and atmosphere within the Akkroo office is brilliant! Everyone is hard working and committed to doing their best, but not without a relaxed and enjoyable vibe throughout the team. The balance between work and play is spot on with a mutual understanding of when it is time to get your head down.

For the first year of placement students, I was impressed by Akkroo's organisation in everything from welcoming us to the team and onboarding, to tracking our progress and ensuring we are happy with regular 1-1’s with the CEO. The hiring process was straightforward and the follow up to each stage was very efficient!

I learnt a huge amount from listening to the sales techniques of my colleagues by joining them on calls and meeting clients. In this sense, a lot of time was invested in my personal development and ensuring I am making the most of my placement year. Not only this, but a specialist sales coach spent a day with the team, teaching us new techniques and improving our ability to convert deals.

Akkroo is not an easy product to sell and therefore requires an experienced salesman to be successful. The majority of the team has several years experience under their belt before joining the company. However, I have been told to keep in contact and depending on the position of the company, an opportunity to come back as an SDR may be available 18 months after my degree. After this year, the opportunity to work for Akkroo again is one that greatly appeals to me.

Yes, within the office there were three placement students. We went to the gym most days together and occasionally enjoyed a cheeky larger beer after work. There were a number of socials across the year that gave us the opportunity to bond with the team and other placement students, who we wouldn’t normally work with on a usual day in the office.

The cost of living is expensive, as you can expect living and working in London. Food, drinks and housing are all above the national average in the capital, but this is reflected with a salary that is above average for placement students. Combining all my costs, I am finically conformable here.

Westminster isn’t renowned for its booming nightlife, but there are several pubs and restaurants keeping us entertained. The Barley Mo is a top place to go. The lack of nightclubs in our area isn’t a problem as there are a number of clubs and bars are a short tube journey away in any direction.

There are always things to do outside of work! I occasionally played 5-a-side football in the evening, which is a good laugh and a nice way to keep fit. Working in the capital gives you so much choice of activities as there is always something going on. Highly recommend spending your placement year here.