Staff Spotlight: Andrew Cochrane

• 09.11.2021
• 390

We sat down with our new Account Manager, Andrew Cochrane, to learn all about him, his career and the lessons he’s learned from his many years working in the worlds of technology and client solutions.

An experienced relationship manager with a solid history in staffing and recruitment, Andrew has been with us for just four months now. It’s not always easy starting a new job in the midst of a lockdown, but we think he’s risen gracefully to the challenge, helping deliver network solutions to help many of our clients grow and expand their offerings. Read on and get to know Andrew a little better:

How would you describe your job to a class of kindergartners?

I’d say: ““I make sure your Mums and Dads have great internet when they go to work, so they can do their jobs better and make their customers’ lives easier – giving them more time to spend with you.”

What does your job really entail?

In actual fact, my role involves enabling our channel partners to sell both simple and complex network solutions that fit any organisations they work with. This provides them with the crucial scalability to grow their businesses for the future.
…Ok, so maybe it’s not quite ABC Kids, but the little ones don’t need to know that.

What inspired you to pursue this career?

I am a huge lover of technology. I find it meaningful to work in an industry that’s constantly changing, innovating and never sitting still. It’s amazing to see the evolution of networks since I started in this field, and it always makes me wonder about the future: what will technology look like in one year, ten years or even 50 years? Plus, I also love working with clients to deliver the most suitable solutions to meet their needs. I find this aspect very rewarding.

What’s the most exciting thing you are working on right now?

At the moment, I am very much enjoying working with our partners, and providing them valuable knowledge to take our solutions to their customers. I find it very rewarding to see their excited reactions, knowing that our solutions can make a difference in their lives and everyday operations. Making life easier and better for people is always an exciting role to play!

What’s the best advice you can give to someone who’s just starting their career?

My advice to anyone just starting out is that mistakes are okay! You will work in places and for people that aren’t for you, this is totally fine, as this will help you learn what you like about work, leaders and people in general. The only mistake someone can make is not changing their situation when it’s not working for them. It’s all about finding what makes you happy, no matter what that may be.

What are the toughest challenges you’ve had at work?

Losing the ability to meet and speak with people face to face due to the Covid-19 lockdowns has been very difficult for me. I am the sort of person who likes to build strong relationships with clients and team members. When you sit down for a coffee with someone, you learn so much more about them beyond the task or quote. I’ve missed that very much, and am very much looking forward to it becoming the norm again.

What was your first job?

After the obligatory paper round and delivering pamphlets, I worked in a factory. There, I did a lot of manual work like racking door handles and backing plates before they went through different chroming processes. It was hard work, but I learned a lot.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

For a long time, it was my dream to be a Physical Education Teacher.

What life skill do you think everyone should learn?

Patience. Not everything we want in life comes to us instantly. Good things come to those who wait!

Which book or movie do you think everyone should watch in their lifetime?

Honestly, I think everyone should watch the Die Hard series at least once. John McClane never gives up – and that’s a pretty powerful message. Oh, and it’s a fun Christmas movie!