"Glorified receptionist"

People often ask about how and when my career came to be, and although there is so much I can share on the topic, this is essentially where it all began. 

Upon graduating from the University of Johannesburg with a degree in Corporate Communications, I found myself contemplating my future endeavors and what career path I wanted to pursue. I started applying for jobs left, right and center. To my dismay, finding an ideal position with little or no experience to my name was almost impossible. I must have sent over twenty-something applications without receiving any positive responses. I remember feeling utterly hopeless and thoroughly discouraged. How was I supposed to start building a career without any experience? Where was one supposed to start? 

Desperate to find ANY possible job, I applied for a receptionist position that a friend of mine had recently posted on Facebook. It was not my ideal placement, but as they say, "beggars can't be choosers," so I went for the interview and took on the new role.

 I recall when I first started out in the industry, I was referred to as "just a glorified receptionist." The story of my career began, like most others- at the bottom. Just an ordinary receptionist, working a regular eight to five role at a premium car dealership in Northern Suburbs, Johannesburg. I never envisioned myself pursuing a career in the motor industry, and the idea of becoming a receptionist was never on the top of my list either. Yet embracing the unknown has led to an invaluable journey. 

Several weeks into the job, a somewhat pretentious sales executives was loitering around the reception area and talking shop to pass by the time. Young and a certainly a little wet behind the ears, I entertained the conversation as best I could. He asked, "So what exactly did you say you studied again?" to which I responded, "Corporate Communications." To my horror, he burst out laughing and sarcastically replied, "Is that just another fancy name for a receptionist? You're just a glorified receptionist!" as he continued to laugh at his own witticism. I politely giggled so as not to appear rude and quickly grabbed the incoming call on the switchboard to avoid any further conversation. 

Was I offended? Yes-but despite his distasteful comment, what he had said was merely office banter. I knew he meant no harm. Still, those words echoed over and over in my mind. I was determined to prove to myself that my degree, my job role, and my future career pursuits would amount to more than "just a glorified receptionist." 

I don't think I ever told anyone about his comment, but to this day his words evoked a new perspective for me. I made it my personal endeavor to gracefully and silently rise above his comments and pursue a job function and a career that I could be proud of. I learned a lot during my time at this company and met some of the most wonderful industry leaders, most of whom I am still in contact with today. Inevitably, I knew this was not the company I could grow in, and it was just a matter of time before I started exploring other options. 

In June 2012, I was offered a new position as a marketing assistant at Viglietti Motors- the official Ferrari Importer at the time. Despite not having a resume that reflected years of experience and expertise, they offered me the job. 

June 2019 will mark my seventh year at Scuderia South Africa and the Ferrari brand. It has been a journey of epic proportions, constant challenges, and many personal achievements. 

There was a time I lacked direction and the fear of never finding a fulfilling career was vivid. I am very humbled and grateful for the opportunities that I have been given. I always vouched to try and make a difference and empower those around me because I completely understood the challenges that came with trying to make it in this great big world of ours.

Launching the #PursuitOfExcellence Internship campaign in our company was one of the main reasons I felt so strongly about empowering the youth. I wanted to develop a movement and a platform that allowed them to start building experience in the corporate world as early as possible. The project was launched to allow young, ambitious and passionate individuals to learn and engage with established organizations at an operational level. It is gratifying to be able to empower and support hardworking and determined individuals as they take the first step in advancing their careers.

I believe that everyone is capable of achieving all that they set out to do, even if it means starting from the bottom. In fact, I actually encourage you to start from the bottom, because when you finally reach a point in your career that you've waited to achieve all your life, you will be left in absolute awe of your remarkable journey. 

When that day arrives- I hope you share your story too and inspire others to keep pressing forward.

 BR

Chanelle