5 Questions for Binta Marega, Sales Representative at Databricks New York
1. What is your background?
I have always been interested in companies, how they work, their environment, and what makes them successful. I therefore chose the Sorbonne School of Management, where I completed my entire university education. I started with a Bachelor's degree in Management with a specialisation in Business Strategy and Economics, then went on to complete a Master's degree in Business and Market Economics. Throughout my studies, I sought out various professional and extracurricular experiences that helped guide my career choices. Through internships at AccorInvest, MTN CI, and CGI Business Consulting, I came to understand that I wanted a role that would allow me to support companies in their growth through the use of technology. To broaden my perspective on the working world and develop my soft skills, I completed two short assignments at two startups, worked at Quai 54 (a street basketball competition), participated as a hostess at the International Day of the Book and Copyright organised at UNESCO, and was a member of the Committee of the Fondation des États-Unis (Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris).
2. What memories do you have of Paris 1?
When I think back on my university years, there are mainly two things that stand out. First, during the European Heritage Days, I had the opportunity to visit the Sorbonne, including areas not accessible during the academic year, and realised just how rich in history and impressive architectural details the university truly is. The Sorbonne is a wonderful institution and I am proud to now be one of its alumni.
Second, I have incredible memories of the BAIP team (Bureau d'Aide à l'Insertion Professionnelle – the Career Support Office) and the events and opportunities they offer students. Thanks to their team, I had the chance to connect with a wide range of professionals from various industries at the Forum Objectif Emploi , where I served as a student ambassador twice. I also had the opportunity to take part in a full-day immersion experience at Accenture, an excellent consulting firm with an international reputation. I am grateful for the open-mindedness and professional development I gained through the work of the BAIP.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Paris 1 and am very satisfied with the education, the people I met, and the experiences I had.
3. What is your current position?
Today, and for the past 2 years and 7 months, I have been working as a sales representative at Databricks in the New York branch in the United States. I love what I do because I never get bored! Being in sales means being able to understand the market and industry of the companies you work with, aligning with their strategic priorities, making an initial contact, and building a relationship with different teams in order to position your product. Most importantly, it is about ensuring that you are addressing an identified problem whose resolution will help improve the way a company operates.
Overall, it feels like having several jobs in one!
I work in the field of AI and data management, so I learn every day about the challenges faced by companies looking to modernise. In short, I find my work deeply fulfilling.
4. How did you find your job?
I found my job through LinkedIn. I spent a considerable amount of time building my network, and as a result, I was contacted by a sales manager who suggested I apply to join his team. I did not know him personally, but he was a connection of one of my LinkedIn connections.
I would also advise job seekers to invest in their LinkedIn profile. Make sure to add people you meet during interviews, as well as people who work in the field you wish to enter. This will influence the type of content and contacts LinkedIn suggests to you. This network has been immensely helpful in my search for internships and employment.
5. And finally, a more personal question: what is your favourite quote?
I recently came across a quote that really resonated with me:
“The biggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dream” Oprah Winfrey.
It’s simple, but it pretty much sums up my philosophy and how I approach life—or rather, how I try to! It’s also a way to remind myself that we only have one life and that we should strive to go after what we want. But it’s also about seeing that life is an adventure! You have to try, take the plunge, do new things, and in the process realize that you can’t control everything, because you’re bound to run into the unexpected!
Thank you to Binta for answering the Alumni questions!
Comments0
Please log in to see or add a comment
Suggested Articles
