How a Career in Sales Led to Progression

I started at Parkdean Resorts back in 2016 in the Sparky store when I was just 16. The park was right on my doorstep, so it made sense for me to ask if they had any jobs going. I was young and didn’t really know what I wanted to do just yet; I just knew I wanted to work. I did a bit of waitressing here and there before I heard about the apprenticeship programmes available here at Parkdean Resorts. I enjoyed the idea of Business Administration, so when the apprenticeship programme had availability, I signed up and completed my Level 2 which felt fantastic!  

Completing my Level 2 in Business Admin made me realise I wanted something more customer facing, so I then moved into a second Customer Service Apprenticeship Level 2 programme. After qualifying, I knew I wanted to stay at Parkdean Resorts but the only jobs available at the time were in Holiday Home Sales. I hadn’t ever really experienced a sales job, but I thought why not give it a go? I absolutely loved it and I’ve been in the sales team ever since which is over 4 years now. 

I would definitely say I’ve found my feet here - no two days are the same and each day is completely different. I think my proudest achievements here must be completing my apprenticeship programmes as I don't think I'd be where I am today if I hadn't had that development. 

Week to week my days are usually really jam-packed. Monday and Tuesday are prep days and admin focused for the week ahead. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday are mostly customer facing and I'm out on park and always in front of people, chatting to holiday makers and owners, making sure they’re all happy and answering any questions they have. Holiday Home Sales can be busy, but I organise my work life balance well. I just make sure I’m doing what I can outside of work and prioritising things I need to get done on my days off.  

My days are super varied, and I love that. It involves a lot of face-to-face customer time and responding to messages and emails throughout the day. I believe that at the end of the day, it’s all about loving what you do and being committed. Of course, you get days where things may have been tough, but I just tell myself there is no good days or bad days as it is what you make it. I go in with the best intention and come out feeling the same way. I’ve been here for 7 years now, and I’ve been lucky enough to try out so many different sides of the business. Parkdean Resorts has encouraged me to develop, but also my General Manager, Dan, has also played a massive role in my career journey.