A Day In The Life: Eleanor Rafe, Business Development Manager

Q: What’s your name and which team do you work in?

A: Eleanor Rafe, B2C Business Development Manager.

Q: What’s the first thing you do when you get in every morning?

A: I grab my laptop, make a big coffee with my colleagues (sometimes have a team breakfast with them which usually involves eggs on sourdough bread) and check my emails.

Q: How would you explain your job to Frank, our office dog?

A: My day is predominantly spent on the phone talking to lots of different people in a variety of businesses who are scattered across the globe. I am constantly surrounded by friendly and ambitious people.

But because it’s Frank, I’d say they’re friendly and have lots of snacks!

Q: What has been your biggest achievement?

A: At MVF my biggest achievement is an amalgamation of small wins. I have increased my confidence massively since I started in October 2017, MVF has given me the opportunity to grow professionally and personally. Our twelve week Sales Academy gave me a really strong foundation when I first started at MVF, and I’ve been able to build on this in my role.

I have also had the chance to improve the language skills that I learnt at University. I get to speak to our Italian clients every day which is something that not many companies give you the opportunity to do!

Q: What’s your favourite thing about what you do?

A: The opportunity to talk to so many different people everyday, plus the chance to travel and meet clients in the UK and Italy. But most importantly, the hilarious and lovely people I get to spend every day with.

We’re also a supportive bunch and really believe in bringing out the best in each other. We recently set up a ‘Women in Sales’ group that meets every month to offer support, talk through problems and inspire each other.

Q: What surprised you most about your role at MVF?

A: How much responsibility and independence you get from day one! You are really given a chance to make a difference and have your voice heard.

Q: What are your job application and interview tips?

A: We have a role-play sales call as part of the process and I’d recommend asking lots of questions at this stage. In hindsight, I’d definitely try to be more relaxed and let my personality shine through on the call.