Staff Spotlight: Cam Smith
Cam joined Smart Payment Technologies four years ago as an apprentice, supporting our internal sales and operations teams while earning his qualification in Business Administration. Fast forward to today, and Cam has stepped into a new challenge as our External Sales Manager. We caught up with him to learn more about his growth, experiences, and what’s next in his journey with us.
Why did you initially apply for the job here?
I was advised of a few openings in the business, one in Customer Services and one in Managed Service, so I applied. It turned out that both of these roles had been filled by the time my interview came around, however there was a new hybrid role available between Internal Sales and Operations. I ended up being offered this role, and it gave me a well-rounded understanding of the business and the industry.
Did you enjoy doing your apprenticeship?
With this being my first job, it was exciting to learn about each and every aspect of business admin. It has definitely benefited my career so far and has helped me to progress within the business.
Do you feel working between internal sales and operations helped to build your knowledge as you got to see both side of the job?
My time in operations helped me to understand and appreciate the products we sell from a hands on perspective, and this knowledge definitely benefited me in my role as sales support.
And now you’ve joined the external sales team, what made you make the move?
I feel like my knowledge of the industry has grown over the 4 years I’ve worked for the business, and I was ready for a step up to take on more responsibility for the company. Fortunately, I was offered the role and the support required to transition. It was an opportunity to progress my career that I couldn’t turn down!
Now that you’ve settled in your new role, what do you enjoy most about it?
In my first few months as an account manager, I have enjoyed getting out on the road to meet partners and customers face to face. I think it’s important to have that personal touch to a working relationship, and meeting in person is the best way to build that.
What’s a fun fact about you that your colleagues might not know?
- I can name all 50 states!
- In the words of Di, I went to ‘Football School’ and got paid for it, which technically made me a professional footballer at the time.
Favourite thing to do outside of work?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve always played sport. Cricket and Football take up the majority of my free time, I like a round of golf whenever I can get out, I’ve just got into padel and can’t get enough of it, and I’ve played darts on a regular basis for the last 10 years.
What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?
Jules was a great mentor for me and I learnt a lot from her while working closely over my 4 years with the business. She always told me that honesty and transparency goes a long way to maintaining customer relationships, and that mentality is at the forefront of how I’ve approached this new role.
And finally, if you weren’t in this industry, what career path would you have chosen?
I would’ve probably gone down the sport route, possibly Coaching, Physiotherapy or Analyst.
