“I would say the best thing I like, the unique thing about working for Elsevier, is the high level of professionalism, and also the great spirit of teamwork.”
James Pan, Senior Account Manager, Elsevier Science & Technology, Beijing
James Pan has seen the age of digital publishing dawn in China. “When I joined Elsevier in 2001 the online publishing and virtual library concept was totally new in China and there were few foreign publishers present in the country.”
Now a senior account manager, working in a team of four sales colleagues in Elsevier’s Beijing office, James oversees a range of key accounts and a group of academic customers. “Revenue-wise, I think I am responsible for 40% of our total Chinese customer base,” he says.
James is in a good position to judge how different publishers are working in the China market. He left Elsevier to work for a major competitor in 2003, but came back to Elsevier after only a year.
Did he notice a big difference? “I think that being with a competitor you feel stronger about the difference between the two companies’ cultures and the difference in levels of professionalism. I felt Elsevier had all the best attributes to work with.”
He mentions a number of key attributes in particular – training backed by direct coaching from his manager; excellent feedback; and the freedom to plan his own work routine so that he can make a full contribution to the company and spend time with his family.
But one quality stands out. “I would say the best thing I like, the unique thing about working for Elsevier, is the high level of professionalism, and also the great spirit of teamwork.”
“With my colleagues, actually it is really fun. We are all still young and I like many of the brainstorming sessions we have together, with many creative and intelligent people putting their ideas forward.”
There is also real desire to celebrate each other’s success, he says. “As salespeople, we always have incoming challenges but we also have great successes. This is the moment we celebrate and enjoy.”