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We sat down with Lauren Harrison, Customer Relationship Manager at ECI Software Solutions to find out more about her role within the team.
Can you describe your role in 50 words?
My main responsibility is managing client relationships and being their key point of contact. However, I also enjoy working closely with other internal teams, such as Marketing, Support, Implementation and Development.
Tell us a bit about your background and the path that led you to your current role?
I’d previously worked in all sorts of jobs within different industries e.g. Banking, events, hospitality, modelling, insurance and retail.
Like most others, I accidentally stumbled into the construction industry. I moved 60 miles from my childhood city and - of course, needed a job. I started working as an internal sales rep on behalf of independent merchants.
I then moved into a trading role, dealing with manufacturers and suppliers, which is when I realised how much I loved working in this industry. I stayed in key account/ category manager positions for nearly 4 years before joining ECI.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in your industry? Any words of wisdom?
Learn as much as you can from the people around you. Also, say yes to everything!
What excites you most about working within this industry?
The people who work in it. I absolutely love meeting new people and I’ve made some great friends because of the networking opportunities on offer across the industry.
What do you find most challenging about working within this industry?
Trying to get new talent to join the industry. Jobs within the construction/building materials sector are not widely spoken about in education. However, almost every job you can do is available within this industry. There are so many amazing career paths people aren’t even aware of!
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned since you began your career?
Always be authentic. People are not always going to like you, but that’s ok. Have integrity and stay true to yourself.
Since you started working in the industry, what changes have you witnessed?
A significant rise in the number of women working in the industry and a massive jump in the number of businesses interested in digitalisation.
What do you enjoy doing when you're not at work?
Spending time with family, yoga, singing and I’m partial to the odd sip of tequila!
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