What's your job about?
Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) is a company that provides information technology solutions, including hardware, software, and services, to help businesses manage and optimize their IT infrastructure. My role consists of managing relationships with partner companies that sell our products and services. I assist with deal registrations that provide them price protection as well as approve prices to help push sales within the HPE ecosystem. Going out to see partners and assisting them with certifications is a crucial aspect of my role, as it involves actively engaging with partner organizations to ensure they have the necessary skills and qualifications to effectively promote and implement HPE solutions, thereby strengthening the partnership and enhancing the overall value delivered to customers.
As a graduate of HPE, I've had the opportunity to embark on a journey of continuous learning and growth. The company places a strong emphasis on nurturing talent, and one of the ways they do this is by providing us with a wealth of training programs and engaging group projects within our cohort. The training programs are thoughtfully designed to cover a wide range of topics, from technical skills to soft skills development, ensuring that we have a well-rounded skill set. For our projects, they provide us with real-world challenges and opportunities to work closely with our peers, leveraging our collective strengths. These projects not only deepen our understanding of HPE's business and industry but also enable us to form strong professional relationships with fellow graduates.
What's your background?
I was born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand. From a young age, I’ve been a planner. As soon as I entered Year 9, I knew I wanted to study and where I wanted my career path to go. Fast forward to Year 11. I got my first retail job as a Team Leader at Krispy Kreme and ended up working there throughout my whole time at university. My journey into higher education took an unexpected turn in year 12 when, as a lighthearted joke among friends, I applied for university. To my surprise (and those around me), I was accepted early through discretionary entrance. Over three years, I pursued a Bachelor of Commerce degree in marketing and management. My commitment extended beyond the classroom, as I served as a class representative for multiple courses. As the end of my university journey neared, I began exploring career opportunities. I binge-applied to as many marketing agencies as I could and eventually stumbled upon the Graduate Program at HPE. Despite not having a technical background and very little knowledge of the tech industry, I applied in hopes of securing any job straight out of university. To my delight, I got the job, and I've been a part of the HPE team for the past eight months, embracing the opportunity to learn and grow in this tech-centric environment.
Could someone with a different background do your job?
Yes, of course! Anyone with great communication skills and a strong desire to learn can have what it takes. In my role, building and maintaining relationships with partner companies, and being able to communicate effectively is crucial. Whether or not you have a tech background, being curious and willing to understand the industry can be more important than having specific qualifications. Partner Business Managers bridge the gap between tech and business, and having a genuine interest in both, along with good people skills, can make you a good fit.
What's the coolest thing about your job?
One of the coolest things about being part of the graduate program is the chance to form strong friendships with fellow grads. We start our careers together, share experiences, and support each other, making work more enjoyable. Specifically in my role, with partners, I get the opportunity to interact with a diverse range of people at different stages of their careers. Every day brings the chance to engage with seasoned professionals who have a wealth of experience and knowledge to share, as well as newcomers who are just starting their journey in the industry. This dynamic mix of individuals provides a unique perspective and keeps the role incredibly exciting.
What are the limitations of your job?
Working with colleagues from different countries is an enriching experience, but it does come with the challenge of managing different time zones. The limitation of time zone differences can sometimes pose logistical hurdles in terms of scheduling meetings, collaboration, and communication. However, it also encourages us to become more adaptable and efficient in our work practices. We learn to appreciate the value of asynchronous communication and effective planning to ensure that we can collaborate seamlessly across borders, despite the time zone disparities.
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