Ben Johnson
Current Employer/Organisation Name
Forrester
What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?
Predominantly worked for Technology companies in Sales, Sales Leadership & Business Leadership roles. Have largely been providing services into the Financial Services sector. Spent 10 years at a Mergers & Acquisitions Financial Information provider, the last 4 of which were as Global Managing Director responsible for Commercial, Product Development & Research. The last 5 years have been with Technology Research & Advisory providers Gartner & Forrester, working with larger Financial Institutions.
Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?
– I enjoy working in sales because of the high levels of client interaction.
– Lots of variety in your day to day role, and feels like running your own micro-business.
– It’s a very dynamic, target driven environment, which I enjoy.
– It can also be a financially rewarding career.
– I also really enjoy Sales Management & Leadership roles, particularly helping to develop those earlier in their career.
Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?
Cocktail Society, Intra-Mural Football & Rugby.
What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?
Biggest highlight undoubtedly the group of friends I made during my time there, many of whom are still close friends. The social environment was second to none. Also enjoyed spending 3 years in such a beautiful west-country setting. Took full advantage of the gigs on campus, and all of the sporting opportunities available, especially intra-mural sports.
What did you enjoy most about studying here?
Found my studies interesting & challenging. Particularly delving deeper into subjects as part of my final year dissertation.
Why did you choose to study at Exeter?
Location, reputation, campus, course.
What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?
Adaptability, tenacity, curiosity, resilience, competitiveness, drive, emotional intelligence.
What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?
Don’t worry about any old-fashioned or negative perceptions of sales. Sales is now regarded as a skilled profession in its own right. With information being more freely available than ever, the old features-advantages-benefits type of selling is now consigned to history. Sales people need to understand what is driving a prospect both from a business and personal perspective, and make relevant connections based on what is important to them. It is a mentally stimulating, challenging, varied and rewarding career.
What are your plans for the future?
To retire as soon as I can!
