What do the career path and day-in-the-life look like for an Account Manager at SmartBear?
We connected with Christopher Collins to find out!
Also, SmartBear is hiring! Click here to see all of the company's openings!
Where did you grow up? What did your parents do for work?
I was born in West Roxbury, MA and grew up in a small town in Western Massachusetts. My parents are consultants in the engineering and software industries.
Where did you go to college? What did you study and what were some of your initial jobs out of school?
I went to Saint Anselm College, where I studied Economics and Public Policy. Upon graduation, I wanted to take the time to explore different opportunities. I worked at the Department of Commerce, a small marketing firm, and coached lacrosse. Through coaching, I expanded my network and had the opportunity to meet with sales leadership at SmartBear. I left the meeting excited and inspired by this growing company and knew I had to get involved.
What has attributed to your success thus far and has helped propel you to the position you have now?
They say curiosity kills the cat, but I would argue otherwise. If I had to boil my success down to one word it would be curiosity. This attribute has led me to challenge the status quo, continuously learn, and take risks.
I’ve been fortunate enough to have grown significantly in the year I’ve been at SmartBear and I attribute that success to the environment here. I am surrounded by intelligent, driven people. Coworkers in any department are always available to discuss ideas or questions I might have. Starting in business development taught me about the challenges our customers face, and how we can help improve their everyday lives. My manager gave me a great foundation in software sales which I was then able to build upon.
Due to the growth of our organization, I was asked to become a team lead, managing 10 other team members on the US Sales Development Team. And more recently, I have been promoted to Account Manager. Though each role has been demanding, I work with a great team that ensures success.
Can you share the high-level responsibilities of your current position as Account Manager at Smartbear?
I work with customers in highly regulated industries, such as aerospace and defense, banking, and aviation, to improve their software development process. This requires finding and connecting with the proper stakeholders to understand the issues they face and develop a possible solution.
Any tips for someone considering a career in your field?
This is a high paced environment. Be constantly curious and try to learn as much as you possibly can. Once you think you've learned enough, be prepared to adapt quickly. What works today, might not work tomorrow.
Day in the Life
Coffee, tea, or nothing?
Coffee. Probably too much coffee.
What time do you get into the office?
8:15 AM
What are three things that motivate you in your role?
I’m motivated by the will to succeed, the desire to continue to learn, and seeing those I mentor succeed.
Every day is different, but can you outline what a typical day looks like for you?
Before I leave work, I make a list of everything I want to accomplish the next day. When I arrive in the morning, I prioritize that list based upon any new emails or notifications I may have received and I hit the ground running!
What time do you head out of the office?
5:30
Do you log back in at night or do you shut it down completely?
Will this be published? Then I am always available.
Any productivity hacks?
Butter in said coffee.
What are the 3 apps that you can’t live without?
News, Lyft, and Calculator
What professional accomplishment are you proudest of?
I most proud of my growth at SmartBear over the past year. I have been trusted with the responsibility of leading a team, and then earned the opportunity to contribute to one of the most profitable products.
Who do you admire or call upon for professional advice?
Both of my managers have been great resources. Each started where I was, and have established themselves as trusted voices at the company. I have yet to encounter a situation where I couldn't go to them and have an honest dialogue.
Colin Barry is the Content Manager to VentureFizz. Follow him on Twitter @ColinKrash.
Images courtesy of Christopher Collins
