Amelia Mills, has only been a field representative in Appco UK’s network in Wales for six months, but says the skills she’s developed in that short time will help her pursue any career path she chooses.
To be honest, I didn’t really know what being a self-employed field representative involved when I took this role.
Before moving into the industry in February, I’d worked in office administration jobs, which were boring, and as a hairdresser, which I’d never really wanted to be. I just wanted a change.
When I met the owner of the marketing company I’d be contracting to, I loved his enthusiasm so much that I thought I’d give it a go for a month, try my hardest and just see how it went.
I had nothing to lose.
So I did, and I loved it, and I’ve never looked back.
If you’ve never done something like this before, going out and talking to hundreds of strangers every day is a very daunting thing, but that’s part of what has made the job so great.
It helps you grow as a person, so the skills you learn can be applied to your personal life, or to other careers.
Strong communication skills are among the best expertise I have developed.
Meeting people from different age groups, different countries, and different ethnicities every day gives you a chance to understand a variety of cultures. You learn how to express yourself in different ways, and explain things so that information is accessible to each individual.
Customer service is also a key focus for both Appco Group and their clients, which you’re representing.
Making sure you’re treating people properly, and ensuring you make and keep customers happy is definitely a good skill to master, and a valuable one in almost every other line of work.
The role also helps you build self confidence by making you see how much more you are capable of. Working for yourself, you can see how each of your successes is down to you.
As well as the skills you develop, a major bonus of being a field representative is the people you meet.
I’ve been in the job for six months now, and I’ve met some of the loveliest people.
Obviously, you get some who are not interested, but really that’s another good thing about the job; it teaches you how to deal with people saying no.
You learn to face rejection without getting down, and just move on to the next conversation, which is almost always a positive one!