Professional Details

Pfizer Inc. - Regional IT Trainer Oct 1997 - Jan 2000

Introduction

During the summer of 1997 the company was planning a move to a Windows based laptop environment and a new CRM system for its field force. As my manager was aware that I had an interest in computers I was asked to join the development team. This consisted of a number of sales representatives, field trainers and managers from the field force. We were consulted by the company developing the software about how we would be using the new software.

During the roll out of the new software packages I was called upon to train my colleagues in the use of one of the modules, since our trainer had to learn how to use Lotus Notes, before she could train us on its use. Fortunately, both my manager and his manager saw me deliver this training. Following the launch of the new software I was on the Users Group, providing feedback to the IT director and developers. My one piece of consistent feedback was the need for more training. I was therefore given a four month secondment to the training team to provide additional training on the new software.

Details

Over the course of four months I liased with local managers around the whole of the UK to organise additional training courses that enabled members of the field force to make the best use of the new software. Delivery of these courses entailed:

• Liasing with area managers to identify what skills they required from their teams
• Managing my diary to make best use of travel times to meet the needs of managers and teams around the country
• Booking hotel conference facilities in order to deliver the training
• Writing and producing training manuals and course materials

The feedback from my initial four month secondment was so positive that it was extended for a further three months.

At the end of the seven months the feedback was so positive that the decision was made to create a permanent position of Regional IT Trainer. At that time the company was split into four geographic regions, covering the whole of the UK. Therefore, an additional three members of staff were moved into the role and a fourth person appointed overall manager.

Over the following two year I worked within this team as the role developed from delivering training on the CRM system to also include training on new sales analysis tools. During this time I continued to develop new learning materials and manuals that were used by the rest of the team. I also created a number of quick reference guides, including several for the new sales analysis tools. In addition I created a number of Microsoft Excel Macros that made it easier to analyse the data coming out of the sales analysis tools. These macros were soon being used by managers at all levels of the sales force, including the Regional Sales Managers.

This role came to an end when a new Sales Training Manager was appointed and the decision made that there was no longer any need for field based IT trainers. I therefore reverted to my role as Senior Pharmaceutical Sales Representative.