Braden Stevens, Junior Business Applications Consultant 

How did your career journey begin at Xperience?  

I joined Xperience back in November 2016 as a Trainee having completed my GCSEs. I had a desire to get into the IT world but didn’t have prior IT workplace experience. I was able to complete my Level 3 Infrastructure Technician Apprenticeship while being a member of the Business Applications Support Team. I found the people and infrastructure around me enabled me to develop hands on experience and progress quickly in my first role, in what has now become my career of choice. 

After successfully completing my apprenticeship in 2019, I was promoted to a Level 2 Support Analyst on the Business Applicants Helpdesk, which meant I supported the CRM applications that Xperience provide to our customers: InforCRM, Sage CRM, Act and MS Dynamics.  

Day to day this role involved investigating tickets from customers and finding a resolution to their incidents. This was a client facing role which requires you to communicate confidently and remain calm under pressure, where no two days are the same.  

What role are you currently working in now? 

In January 2023, I was promoted to the position of Junior Business Applications Consultant (CRM). I now work alongside other Consultants in the team and the role involves gathering requirements from clients, and then designing, implementing and supporting CRM solutions for our clients, predominantly Dynamics 365 CRM. 

What does a typical day look like in your current role? 

A typical day as a Consultant at Xperience can have a large amount of variance in it, you may find yourself sitting down with clients and listening to their requirements, helping them format those ideas into a technical framework of what their desired system will look like. Other days will then consist of configuring the system and creating solutions for the requests that have been given to you. 

What skills are needed to be a successful CRM consultant?   

There are three primary skills I deem to be important for the CRM Consultant role; organisation, personability and a real interest in learning.  

At its core it is a client facing job, you’ll speak to a wide range of people with varying technical abilities, because of this you need to be able to translate technical terms while making the entire process an enjoyable experience. Being efficient with your time is key to allow projects to flow smoothly and be delivered on time and within budget. Finally, technology is ever-changing. There needs to be a desire to be at the forefront of that progression.  

What do you like most about working at Xperience?  

Since day one at Xperience, the best part about working at the company has been its people. They allow for a comfortable working environment where learning is seen as a required and positive thing. I have always had my personal development supported and encouraged by those around me while the infrastructure and team allow for that progression to take place. 

What are your expectations for the future at Xperience?  

I expect to continue growing in my role while learning from my experiences and colleagues to become an accomplished CRM Consultant. You can always do more!