Lead Deal Architect Review

In my role, as part of the pre-sales organisation, I am overall responsible for the end-to-end solution within a tender from bid creation (usually initial conversation with the customer/RFI) until handover to delivery once the bid is won. The solution main tasks entitle: design, costing, pricing, governance and service description/documentation. All of these led by the stakeholder management, as external as much as internal.

I have significantly developed soft skills in order to perform my job effectively. This has been enabled and empowered through the stakeholder management. The ones further developed are: presentation skills, summary capacity, critical thinking, but specially the capacity to tailor the message to the audience this is delivered to with the outcome required in mind.

Through the apprenticeship I am able to explore and learn about multiple areas that I do not have a big interaction with in my day to day work. These areas help me understand and rationalize better the decisions and directions taken by the company by giving the necessary context. Having to apply the knowledge of each of the modules to a practical scenario at work, allows me to challenge my own thinking and gives me further perspective.

The programme is structured in 3 phases, the first 2 formed by different modules while the third one is related with the research case and the endpoint assessment. Each of module starts with reading pre-work required before a set of workshops that provide a high level view of the module, afterwards further reading is required before starting the assignment for that module. For each of the assignment a real process/practice/way of working has to be used from your day to day to be analysed and evaluated with the knowledge acquired through the reading and workshops. This way of approaching the module proves very useful as you can use your day to day to truly understand the presented concepts.

My employer provides me with an equivalent of a day a week to dedicate to my studies, which is very helpful. However, the biggest help comes from the different colleagues that will provide the insightful data, knowledge and views. This allows me to understand better how the company works and why does things in particular ways. Also, to explore possible areas of improvement, as all of these is required in order to execute the required assignment of each module.

Each of the different assignments is reviewed, qualified and feedback is provided. So far, I have only received the feedback of my first assignment which makes this statement very restricted. In general, I would appreciate further tailored feedback to my assignment showing me what could/should have done differently to improve. Also, a very useful resource would be to get a view of how a really good assignment looks like. As currently, we have the briefing of the assignment with some guidelines but not this specific view.

This apprenticeship is giving me a lot of perspective on how my company does things in a particular way and the motives behind them. Helps me ask the right questions, as well as have a more holistic view and understanding of the different influences and reasons behind the decisions. This helps me particularly with the stakeholder management that I have to do for my role.

Yes, but at the moment all is a bit on hold due to the global pandemic. There are still some virtual events for networking, specially in the different sectors and areas of the company (sales private sector, sales public sector). There is also a wellness application where you can create groups with your colleagues to encourage them and yourself to be more active

Yes

Fujitsu has very good culture and cares for its employees and has a great network of support as well as loads of tools and personnel focused on this. In comparison with other companies I have worked for, Fujitsu provides further opportunities and rewards for their technical people (like the Fujitsu Distinguished Engineer programme), not only focusing on sales.

One of the big tips for working in Fujitsu is the network you create. People are generally very supporting, and willing to dedicate their time to help you and point you in the right direction. Taking care of these relationships is paramount. Fujitsu provides loads of opportunities for career growth, but you have to manage your career and make it happen.