3 minute read
HOW I WENT FROM MODELING TO ASSOCIATE SALES DIRECTOR
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Career changes are some of the most defining moments in anyone’s life. Whether they are dictated by necessity, growth, the need to explore new possibilities or to make a difference, switching jobs isn’t a decision that should be made lightly.
While personal goals differ, a career change will generally revolve around three key points: finding your passion, helping others, and working with a stimulating and inspiring team of individuals. Other aspects involve flexibility, travel, the possibility for self-improvement, and unforgettable personal and professional experiences. Luckily, the opportunity is always there to join young, fast-growing companies in stimulating and exciting fields. And what’s best, successful companies around the world are usually more interested in hiring smart, well-rounded individuals from all walks of life rather than being hung up on formal training and qualifications. There are incredible opportunities out there for motivated, hard-working individuals who like to dream big.
Petra Barna, Associate Director & Head of Sales at The Ortus Club, a leading event management company specialised in knowledge-sharing functions for C-level executives, shared her fascinating professional journey with us.
At the age of 17, Petra was climbing up the modelling world in her home country of Hungary. A few years later, she decided to leave this promising fashion career to pursue more managerial roles. However, her journey towards The Ortus Club wasn’t immediate. She took on various roles from administrative assistant to data analyst and project director, before she finally landed what she defines as the best decision of her life.
At The Ortus Club, Petra’s responsibilities include business development, managing her own team, and her favourite part: representing the company at events all over the world. In an increasingly globalised business landscape, working in a field that allows for extended travelling, international experiences, and a possibility for both personal and professional development is a real dream come true. Being able to make a difference while working with an expert team of professionals and having fun is what most people would define as the perfect career opportunity.
It wasn’t until this year that Petra became Head of Sales at The Ortus Club. As the global epidemic triggered the widespread global lockdowns, Barna found herself having to focus on different aspects of her role, making great progress in areas that did not have her full attention before. Being promoted to Head of Sales allowed Petra to work on her latest project: opening up the first European Ortus office in the beautiful city of Rome. While she feels like she is still adjusting to her new responsibilities, this promotion is a remarkable stepping-stone in Petra’s career. Although she is delighted with the new
challenges of her new role, she still can’t wait for things to return to normal so she can hop on and off planes and host physical events again!
And sure enough, The Ortus Club is already anticipating going back to holding in-person functions, all the while cherishing the virtual event knowledge acquired over the past several months. The company has begun planning physical events for the end of 2020 and the beginning of 2021 in specific locations. As the company prepares to adopt a hybrid model in the near future, it will still be able to guarantee some of the most rewarding experiences for its team: in-person interaction with top leaders, exciting travel, and continuous professional development.
