- Careers
Our Account Manager Kev gives insights into her inspiring career change and describes how Serviceware supports career changers in making a successful new start in the tech industry.
Not every career path is straightforward and that's exactly what makes many CVs all the more interesting. Kev is the best example of this: After almost ten years at a patent law firm, she decided to make a radical career change and not only found a new job at Serviceware, but also a new passion: IT sales. In this interview, Kev explains how she took this path, what role the structured trainee program played and why she now says: "I should have applied much earlier."
Hi Kev, great to have you here! Before we talk about your move to IT sales, please introduce yourself briefly.
Kev: I'd love to. My name is Kevser Boyacioglu, but everyone calls me Kev. I'm an Account Manager in the sales team for Austria and look after our solutions in the area of Enterprise Service Management, which includes process digitalization, knowledge management and chatbot solutions.
You worked in a patent law firm for around ten years before joining Serviceware. What prompted you to make this big change?
Kev: Working at the law firm was exciting, especially because we were constantly seeing new patent applications. But at some point I had the feeling that I wasn't learning anything new and then I lost the fun of the work. That was the point at which I realized: I have to change something.
That sounds like a very conscious decision. How did you go about it specifically?
Kev: Well, the first thing I did was to start studying part-time - European Business and Corporate Management at the University of Applied Sciences BFI Vienna. Later, I applied for the trainee program in sales at Serviceware at the same time.
That sounds very ambitious. Did you have any concerns?
Kev: Of course. I was almost at the end of my studies and had left a secure job at the same time. That was a double challenge. But I knew that if I didn't give it a go, I would never know what would have been possible.
What ultimately convinced you to join Serviceware in IT sales?
Kev: It was definitely the trainee program and the corporate culture. Even during the application process, it became clear that personality counts more here than a CV or specific expertise. I didn't have any IT sales knowledge anyway, but I was seen as a person. That convinced me, so I listened to my gut feeling and chose Serviceware.
Briefly describe how the trainee program went.
Kev: Back then, the program lasted 24 months and was divided into three phases:
- Orientation phase: this is where you get to know the company, the teams and our solutions.
- Qualification phase: This phase is more practical because you work on specific projects. However, this does not happen without support. You always have a mentor at your side.
- Specialization phase: In the final phase, you focus on your own strengths. For me, this was definitely knowledge management, which is what I specialize in today.
What were the biggest challenges for you as a career changer?
Kev: It was the terminology. ITIL, workflow automation or service catalog. It was completely new territory for me. But I had great colleagues, a mentor and was allowed to attend customer meetings. So I was able to learn everything step by step.
Were you also able to apply skills from your previous job?
Kev: Absolutely! At the law firm, I had to work extremely precisely because of the many patent applications that had to be filed. In sales, you also have to work meticulously. You have to listen very carefully to the customer, grasp the details and communicate clearly. These are skills that I need every day as an account manager.
Have there been any particular moments of success in your new role?
Kev: Yes, many. But one moment was special! Just a few months after I started, I was able to win my former university of applied sciences as a customer. That was a real highlight for me, both emotionally and professionally. And they are now a happy customer of our platform.
You are already known for your strong customer communication and relationships. Tell us your secret.
Kev: I think the secret of every salesperson is definitely to build trust in the first place. That's also the case for me. You have to be honest, listen and sometimes be able to say: "Our solution isn't right for you." That creates trust and respect. As a result, some of my customer relationships have even turned into friendships.
When you look back on your time as a trainee, what helped you the most?
Kev: Definitely my mentor. He taught me a lot and encouraged me in my development. The structured induction was also worth its weight in gold. You don't feel alone, even if you're new to the industry.
Looking back, would you do anything differently?
Kev: Yes, definitely! I would have applied earlier! That would be the only thing I would do differently. Everything else was just right.
What advice would you give to others who are thinking about changing careers?
Kev: Just do it. Get out of your comfort zone. You never know what's waiting for you. And you have the opportunity, especially at Serviceware. As a career changer, you really get support here.
If you had to describe Serviceware in three words, what would they be?
Kev: Fun. Innovation. Opportunities.
