Ed Simmonds
By Ed Simmonds on 12 Dec, 2024

Starting a new role is always a mix of emotions - excitement, anticipation, and maybe a bit of nervousness as you prepare to meet new people, tackle new challenges, and settle into an unfamiliar environment. But at Paragon DCX, that transition has been smoother than I could have imagined.

Just one month into my position as an Account Executive in the Client Services team, I already feel at home - a valued part of a dynamic and welcoming group of professionals. From day one, I’ve been immersed in a culture of collaboration, learning, and support, making the experience both memorable and empowering.

Here’s a glimpse into what has made my first few weeks at Paragon DCX so rewarding, and a couple of things I've already learnt along the way...

1. New names and faces

We all know the feeling: a thousand new faces, endless self-introductions, names you almost certainly forget or get mixed up.

Of course, there have been plenty of new people to meet, but everyone I have met in the office (or at home over Teams!) has been enthusiastic about finding out a bit about me and my role.

Whether having a quick chat over a cup of tea or meeting people in the office, I’ve steadily been meeting new people and building a network of new names and faces.

2. Collaboration is key

It goes without saying that these people are here for more than a quick catch-up. The onboarding process has encouraged me to interact with a wide range of different people from the company and to learn their unique roles in delivering a quality service for our clients.

As a member of the Client Services team, my role involves connecting people and processes from all the different areas of the business to deliver value for the client and their customers. Therefore, an understanding of everyone’s roles and how they interact is really important, and it has been inspiring to meet and learn from all the people who make it happen.

3. Asking questions

A new role can be overwhelming. Daunting amounts of new processes and information can be confusing, and it can often feel difficult to speak up and ask questions.

Fortunately, my team have encouraged me to ask as many as possible, and have been incredibly helpful with breaking down the new information. So much so, that after a month, I feel really integrated into the team and comfortable with all the new workflows and ways of working for each client. Being inquisitive and confident is a huge part of managing projects and campaigns for with clients, and it has been fostered within me over these first few weeks.

4. Developing new skills

The support from my team has been integral to feeling settled in and confident. They have shown me all the different skills and tools I will need within my role. I have been introduced to some of our technology partner software such as Dotdigital and Salesforce Marketing Cloud, and given internal tasks around planning for next year.

I have also been tasked with analysing data from our existing projects, allowing me to put my excel skills to the test. Client Services have a wide variety of different programmes and skills that make our jobs run smoothly, and it has been a great experience getting to grips with them.

5. A key piece of the jigsaw

Paragon DCX is a big team with all sorts of different jobs, responsibilities and seniority. Not only that, but it also belongs to an even bigger company, Paragon, with hundreds more people.

Despite this, the onboarding process has outlined how every individual contribution has an enormous impact on the business. From entry-level to CEO, we all have an important role to play and the pride everyone holds in their work underpins the service that we deliver.

And that's a wrap!

Reflecting on my first month at Paragon DCX, I’m genuinely grateful for the warm welcome, the collaborative spirit, and the opportunities to grow both personally and professionally. It’s been a whirlwind of introductions, new skills, and fresh challenges, but each step has been supported by a team that’s invested in my success.

What stands out most is the sense of purpose and pride that runs through every level of the business - an inspiring reminder that every role, no matter how big or small, contributes to the bigger picture.

I’m excited to continue learning, building relationships, and playing my part in delivering exceptional value to our clients. Here’s to the journey ahead!

Do Collaboration. Better.