Around the World and Back Again
Written by: Emily Sergovic, Executive Project Manager
I have been with Germer International since 2010 and always knew that it was a special place to work. Aside from genuinely loving coming into work because of my collaborative and bright colleagues, I also appreciate that we have a solid sales training program in place that is ever evolving (just like the pharmaceutical industry!) and above all else, embraces lifelong learning. This could not have been more evident to me than when I came back to Germer this past September after taking a yearlong sabbatical to pursue a life goal of international travel.
After a whirlwind year of maneuvering my way through 4 continents, 22 countries, surviving 40+ layovers, hiking through the Himalayas and some very questionable food choices, I was feeling confident I could jump back into the swing of things on my return to Germer. On my first day back, I walked in and sat down in my desk ready to take on any new challenges a candidate or client could throw at me. I felt great; after all, I had just traveled the world! But to my surprise, as I picked up the phone for the first time in over a year, I noticed my hands were slightly clammy. If I was being completely honest with myself, I was a little nervous to be back after being gone for so long. Sure, I was able to read some sales training material while I was away, but reading does not come close to being able to put my sales education to use.
Flash forward to a little over a month later and I was able to place my first candidate since my sabbatical within six weeks from being back. I successfully built a relationship with this person by making sure I was respecting her needs in finding not just a new role, but the right role at a company where that she could have a lasting career. At the same time, I was able to keep open communication with our client and balance their needs for the role. I was even able to use some of my traveling expertise in helping my candidate when she ran into some logistical issues getting to the onsite. I think everyone knows how stressful catching flights and driving in an unfamiliar city is, especially when you are trying to get to an interview!
I quickly realized that I could use my “education” from my travel experiences, along with my solid foundation that I was able to build upon with my tenure at Germer International to get right back into the swing of things. I know that the continued success I have had here is due to my extensive training I have received throughout my 6+ years here at Germer. Our training consists of collaborative meetings and individual training, where we study speeches, webinars, literature, presentations and even movies! The best part is that I will continue to develop my recruiting and relationship building skills because Germer International firmly believes that learning never ends. With this being said, I will leave you with this quote from this wise and well-respected leader who was also a lifelong student.
“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” -Ghandi
Lastly, I’m curious, what speaker or author has inspired you professionally or personally?