Sales Engineer’s Daughter Follows in Her Father’s Footsteps #girldad

In a world where career choices are often influenced by familial connections and shared passions, my daughter’s journey into the dynamic field of sales engineering stands out as a testament to the power of inspiration and mentorship. This is the story of my daughter who, captivated by my success and dedication as a sales engineer, embarked on a path that would eventually lead her to follow in my footsteps. Join me as I delve into her remarkable journey, uncovering the dreams, lessons, and experiences that shaped her into a developing sales engineer carrying forward my legacy with pride and passion.

Traveling together

Summertime held a special allure for my daughter. It wasn’t just the promise of lazy days and endless adventures that filled her with excitement. It was also the opportunity to join me on my business trips. These journeys were more than just father-daughter bonding experiences; they were immersive lessons in the world of sales engineering.

During these trips, my daughter’s curiosity knew no bounds. She peppered me with questions, eager to unravel the intricacies of my work. Her wide-eyed wonder transformed our travels into impromptu educational sessions. I reveled in the chance to share my knowledge and insights, watching as her understanding of sales engineering deepened with each passing day.

Our travels together were not merely confined to hotel rooms and conference halls. We ventured into the field, visiting clients and witnessing firsthand the impact of my work. These experiences broadened her perspective, allowing her to grasp the tangible outcomes of sales engineering. The seeds of her future career were being sown during those unforgettable journeys.

Dreams of prosperity

Inspired by my success,  my daughter began to dream of a future in sales engineering. She admired the way I was able to combine my technical expertise with his people skills to help clients achieve their goals. She was also drawn to the fact that sales engineering offered the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology and be at the forefront of innovation.

As my grew older, her dreams of following in my footsteps became more concrete. She excelled in math and science, and she developed a strong interest in technology. She also gained valuable experience through internships and co-op programs in the engineering field, thanks to me.

With each step she took towards her goal, her admiration for me grew stronger. She realized that I was not only a successful sales engineer, but also a dedicated mentor and role model. My passion for my work and commitment to excellence left a lasting impression on her, and she knew that she wanted to make the same kind of impact in her own career.

Now, as a future sales engineer herself, my daughter is grateful for the opportunities she has had to learn from as well as being able to work with me. She is proud to carry on this sales engineering legacy and continue the family tradition of excellence.

Learning the ropes

Shadowing me on sales calls provided my daughter with firsthand exposure to the intricacies of sales engineering. She observed my interactions with clients and colleagues, negotiation strategies, and my ability to identify and address their needs. These real-world experiences complemented her theoretical knowledge and deepened her understanding of the profession.

Attending trade shows and industry events alongside with me further enriched her learning experience. She gained insights into the latest industry trends, technologies, and best practices. Networking with professionals from diverse backgrounds expanded her knowledge base and fostered a sense of belonging within the sales engineering community.

My daughter gained a lot of practical experience which was an integral part of the her journey. She gained valuable hands-on experience by working internships at companies I  had worked at. These internships allowed her to apply her knowledge, work on real projects, and interact with clients  under the guidance of seasoned professionals. Each internship contributed to her professional growth and solidified her passion for sales engineering.

Through these diverse learning opportunities, my daughter developed a comprehensive understanding of the sales engineering profession. She combined theoretical knowledge with practical experience, building a strong foundation for her future career. My mentorship, combined with her dedication and perseverance, paved the way for her success as a future sales engineer.

Lessons from dad

I ensured that my daughter learned the importance of hard work and perseverance. She saw firsthand how I dedicated himself to his job and entrepreneurial ventures and never gave up in the face of many challenges. This work ethic left a deep impression on her, shaping her own approach to work and life.

Honesty and integrity were very central to my salesmanship, and these values were instilled in my daughter as well. She understands that building trust with clients and colleagues was essential for long-term success, and she strived to maintain the highest ethical standards in all her dealings.

I also emphasized the importance of building strong relationships with customers and colleagues. I taught her that sales engineering was not just about closing deals, but also about fostering mutually beneficial partnerships. This people-centric approach resonated with the her, and she has made it a priority to cultivate meaningful connections with those around her.

In an ever-evolving industry, I stressed the need to stay up-to-date on the latest technology and industry trends.  I encouraged her to continuously learn and expand her knowledge, ensuring she remained at the forefront of her field. This thirst for knowledge became a defining characteristic of my daughter, driving her to seek out new challenges and opportunities.

Through these lessons and many more, the my daughter gained invaluable insights into sales engineering and life itself. My  guidance and mentorship laid the foundation for her own successful career, and she remains grateful for the opportunity to learn from and work with me.

Like father, like daughter

My daughter was inspired by my  work ethic and dedication. She saw firsthand the positive impact he had on others and was motivated to follow i foot in my steps. I know she is grateful for the opportunities she has had to learn from and work with me and is proud to carry on his legacy.

I am confident that she will be successful in her career as a Sales Engineer.  I am very grateful for the close relationship we have and is happy that she has chosen to follow in my footsteps.

The Interviewing Process

I remember when she text me and said “Dad I got an interview with Schneider Electric for a Sales Engineering Development role”, I was over so happy for her and excited to prepare her for the upcoming interviews.  She wondered what it would be about since she did not know about their technology,  I told her, “because this will be a customer facing role they will be interested in your Personality, Communication skills, Adaptability, Problem Solving, Customer facing, and thirst for knowledge”.  I also provided some questions to ask as well, which worked in her favor. 

She had two rounds of interviews and I am happy to say that Schneider Electric hired my daughter for their Sales Engineering Development role.  I know after she completes her training she will be a tremendous asset to the Schneider Electric team. Here start date is January 22, 2024. 

My daughter is a shining example of the positive impact that parents can have on their children’s lives.  My advise to other parents, expose them to as much as possible, answer their crazy questions, regardless of their age provide real answers,  and let them know that they can do and accomplish anything they want in their lives. 

Salute to my other #girldads out there.