From fresh graduate to team lead: My services sales career at Schneider Electric

Starting out with curiosity and courage

I began my career in R&D as a product manager, fresh out of university. It was a small company, and I was part of the first batch of graduate hires. That meant I got to travel, meet customers, and represent the company at exhibitions. I didn’t expect to enjoy the customer-facing side so much, but those early experiences sparked something. I realized I wanted to build my career around people, relationships, and solving real problems.

Why I joined Schneider Electric

When I joined Schneider Electric in 2021, the world was in lockdown. I came on board as a Business Development Account Manager in the Services team in Singapore. Even during that uncertain time, our team kept going. Within Services we were making sure Schneider’s equipment stayed up and running across the country. That sense of purpose was clear from day one.

What drew me to Schneider was the opportunity and the people I met during the interview process. Every conversation triggered my curiosity and made me feel excited about joining. It wasn’t just about the role; it was about the energy and openness I felt from the team.

That first year was intense as I had to learn fast. Technical knowledge, customer engagement, and how to make decisions under pressure. I learned to think independently and trust my judgment. Schneider gave me space to grow, and I took it

Stepping into leadership

In early 2023, I was offered the chance to lead a team. I wasn’t sure I was ready. I didn’t know if I could be a good manager. But I started with what I knew: lead by example. I focused on discipline, consistency, and being present. I also practiced active listening. That helped me understand what my team needed and how we could solve problems together.

Today, I lead a team of four Services Sales Account Managers. We work closely with customers, nurturing relationships and identifying growth opportunities. We’re the link between our customers and the Services team, focused on long-term partnerships and sustainable growth.

A typical day starts with a weekly plan. My top priority is joining my team members on customer visits. On days with fewer external meetings, I focus on business reviews with my leaders, internal discussions, coaching my team, and self-learning. It’s a balance of strategic thinking and hands-on support.

Why I’ve stayed

Schneider Electric has been more than just a workplace. It’s a place where I’ve grown both professionally and personally. I’ve had mentors who believed in me, and a team that supports each other. We’re encouraged to stay curious, keep learning, and help each other succeed.

What keeps me motivated is the people around me. They’re caring, positive, and encouraging. Whenever I face a challenge, I know I can overcome it because of the strong teamwork and support we have. The culture and growth opportunities are great, but it’s the people who make the biggest difference.

I’m proud of the culture we’ve built. Even when things get stressful, my team enjoys what they do. That means a lot to me. We support each other, and we grow together.

Looking ahead

I’m still learning. I want to improve my strategic thinking and make better long-term decisions. I’m also open to new roles in the future, especially regional roles that allow me to travel and meet new people. That’s something I’d love to explore next.

My advice for others

If you’re just starting out, my advice is simple: embrace opportunities to take on more as it’s a chance to learn and grow. Focus on improving how you do things, because efficiency and continuous improvement make a real difference.

Joining the Schneider Services team can provide a challenging and rewarding career opportunity for individuals who are passionate about delivering high-quality services and solutions to customers. We appreciate an open mindset and good attitude, so just be yourself and demonstrate all those behaviours.

Why a career at Schneider Electric matters

Schneider Electric has been a great platform for me. I’ve grown a lot here, and I’m excited about what’s next. A career at Schneider Electric means being part of something that matters. To customers, to the team, to the communities around you, and to yourself.

Feeling inspired?

Take the next step in your career journey with us at Schneider Electric. Sign up to our talent community to stay updated on new openings and insights!

Add a comment

All fields are required.