Meet Sabine

Once I finished my studies in International Business and Management in the Netherlands and the US, I started working for a company in the Netherlands. I soon felt that I was missing out on an international environment working with different cultures, so I decided to look for another job. I found a sales traineeship on Ericsson’s website, and applied. One week later I had an assessment and the very same day I got a call saying that I could start as a business development manager within Ericsson’s Services offering.

Most people at Ericsson have a technical background, and I have a more commercial background. That was the greatest challenge in the beginning. But I soon learned that all backgrounds are equally important.

There are so many different job opportunities within Ericsson. In March, 2009, I changed positions and am now working as a service delivery manager for operators KPN and Telfort in the Netherlands. This meant switching from a more commercial job to a more operational one. With my new job, I am learning more about the customers’ networks and getting more insight into the internal Ericsson organization. I used to sell the customer support contracts, and now I am responsible for the operational and financial aspects of the contracts.

I really like the responsibility you get as a young Ericsson employee. When I started, I immediately got an assignment to lift consultancy sales in the Netherlands – a real motivational boost. The open-door policy we have and the fact that all my colleagues are always willing to help are other positive aspects of working at Ericsson.

Where will I be in five years? Telecom is one of the most innovative industries in the world, so you never know what the future will be. Personally, I would like to develop more in Managed Services or maybe try an international assignment.