Tell us about yourself and your career
My Name is Pressy Abraham, and I worked in the medical field as a sonographer (Ultrasound Technologist) for 15 years. I transitioned from healthcare to now being a Salesforce Sr. Business Analyst at Toll Brothers: America’s Luxury Home Builder.
Why were you looking for a job?
I had an injury that prevented me from returning to my career as a sonographer.
How did you discover PAGCG?
I met Lynne Williams at a Resume Review class through PA CareerLink, where she told me she was having a meeting later that night. Once I attended, I was hooked and subsequently applied for a position on the Board of Directors for the nonprofit organization.
How did PAGCG help you in your job search?
The confidence I had in being able to help others while I was VP of Operations on the Board of Directors helped me take charge of my interviews.
Being a Board member made me understand the needs of the organization and the need for solutions.
Les Segarnick: The interview Surgeon’s, meeting on interview techniques was fantastic. The interview techniques I learned helped me present myself as professional, knowledgeable, and confident. Les will do mock interviews where he is candid with you, so I highly recommend going to his weekly event!
When volunteering on the organization’s Salesforce team, I learned and grew in my Salesforce knowledge. I transitioned from the healthcare industry to technology with a new career in Salesforce. Thank you to Bill Apostolacus for the “aha moment” where I realized I could amplify my skills by learning Salesforce.
How did you find your job? How long did it take?
I started learning Salesforce in May of 2020 while the Business Executives Networking Group (BENG) merged into the Great Careers Network (GCG). This opportunity allowed me to help bring BENG onto the nonprofit’s Salesforce platform and create user training sessions. I passed my first Salesforce certification by September 2020 and started as a consultant Feb 2021. In September 2021, I converted to a full-time employee.
Who knew that one year after passing my first exam, I would have a brand new career, and I would be helping hundreds of others find their next opportunity.
I started a LinkedIn group called Road to Salesforce, wrote articles, attended an invite-only Salesforce conference called Dreamforce, presented at the Trailblazer community meetings, and even created and sang some songs on Salesforce as the Salesforce Superwoman. Currently, I am on the board for Toll Brothers’ Women’s Network and am in a position to continue to help others.
What kept you motivated during the job search, especially during the downtimes?
My network was very positive and helpful. I had a fantastic personal board of directors and was glad to know I was not alone in needing support.
I was able to take the time to understand what was most important to me and realized the importance of giving back and paying it forward – focusing on giving back created shining moments.
What were the lessons that you learned during your job search?
Networking is a lifelong activity, and your connections significantly impact how quickly you find your next opportunity.
Do you have any networking tips or tricks that you can share?
- Don’t hesitate to reach out to others.
- Be authentic.
- Being in transition is part of your story, and you should embrace it.
- Take the time to learn what it is you want and what it is you offer.
- Always be willing to give before asking to get something.
What will you do in your new role?
As a Salesforce Business Analyst, I will gather requirements and information to help development teams create solutions for business problems and ensure we make the best solutions.
What is one takeaway or nugget of wisdom that you would like to share?
You are enough, so go after the life you deserve! Take advantage of the available resources to you and Network, Network, Network!
