This is a results driven world and, in the business development role, internal processes mean that your achievement is transparent. I started in a sales support role in Glasgow, and after nine months won promotion to business development manager and moved to Bristol. With responsibility comes added pressure on a number of levels - I'm in charge of 20 intermediaries' accounts. When you're leading meetings with brokers, many of whom are managing directors, you have to be confident, but never arrogant. That can be a challenge when you're young, you need to work hard at developing an insight into what makes people tick.
Personality clashes can mean lost business.
I couldn't have hoped for a better job and remuneration. In fact, if I was offered my job, I'd grab it with both hands.