Sharyn Macnamara (SM), editor of African Mining, incorporating Mining Mirror speaks to Chané Wewege (CW) about her first month in the sales administrator position at Mining and Technical Exhibitions (MTE).
Chané Wewege, sales administrator at MTE. ©Mining and Technical Exhibitions (MTE)
SM: Welcome Chané, by way of introduction, please share with our exhibitor companies a slogan you live by when it comes to work.
CW: In a new environment, I always start by doing the necessary, and then I do the possible, and in my experience, before you know it, you can do what you thought was impossible.
SM: As I see it, that certainly resonates with the culture of the MTE team. What are your first impressions of your new work family?
CW: When I arrived for my interview, I was extremely nervous, but when the directors started speaking about the MTE team and how both MTE and Interact Media Defined (IMD) team members lift one another up within a hard, but at the same time, fun working environment, I immediately felt more at ease. I chose MTE because of the opportunities available to develop myself and to build a career and a future. For me, the green light came and when I got the call and the directors asked me to come in – I couldn’t believe it, but here I am.
SM: What will your function be within the team at MTE, Chané.
CW: I will fill the position of administration assistant to the current MTE sales team, with a view to assisting in the future on the internal sales front too. The idea is that I support both Cathy and Sheldon to streamline the closing of orders on time and in updating our internal online system – taking a load off their shoulders so that they can focus on bringing the sales in.
SM: Where were you working before Chané?
CW: I started working when I was 16 at a pharmacy after school hours during the week and on the weekends. There, I developed my work ethic and how to deal with the public, face to face. Before joining MTE, I worked at the O.R. Thambo International Airport in Car Rentals on the administration side of sales, bookings and much more.
SM: Well, I would imagine that the fast paced environment and client-service work will stand you in good stead at MTE. We wish you well in your position!
CW: Thank you. I am slowly finding my rhythm in what is expected of my function, and I am enjoying the MTE environment. I appreciate the way that every single person encourages one to be the best one can be here. The MTE team members all go out of their way to help when I am unsure of the next step or the process. I am looking forward to the journey ahead!