Hello DealerKnows,

Currently I am an Internet Sales Coordinator. I have held this title for about three years now. I’ve become bored. I’m very good at my job, love the people I work with and work for and, most importantly, I enjoy doing it. I feel that I’ve reached a point in what I’ve made my career, to take a step up. I’m highly considering inquiring about a position to become an Internet Director/manager for another dealership. (Simply because there is no opportunity for me to move up within my current work place). I am young (twenty-two) and fear that I will be turned down because of my age & no management experience. But how am I to gain the experience in management if not given the opportunity? Is there any advice that you can give an Internet Sales Coordinator that wants to run her own department?

Thank you!
Brittani
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From Joe Webb…

Thanks for reaching out, Brittani.  Becoming complacent in one’s position is an inevitability, regardless of the industry.  It is especially commonplace when your primary responsibilities include some of the mundane activities as inbound call handling and lead management, as all these new digital initiatives that are popping up are much more exciting.

If you don’t feel that there is an opportunity to grow in your dealership, by all means, begin looking elsewhere. I’ve blogged about this before (Get Out of Dodge) and the fact that the American dream begins with the chance for upward mobility.  You should always be striving for bigger and better things, even if those bigger and better things involve a big change of scenery to another dealership.

Do not feel as if your age and limited experience in an Internet Director’s role will hinder you.  Surely it is something you might have to overcome, but many of the best Internet Directors came from BD positions.  Owners aren’t just looking for experience or longevity, but they are looking for someone who has a true passion for the medium and a vision for the department.  In the end, they just want to trust someone they can hand their department over to and not have to worry too much about it.

So I say, “Go for it!”  Life is too short and dealerships too many to not try and climb the proverbial corporate ladder.  At the same time, focus on your current responsibilities in the store and continue to prove your worth at your dealership.  Never go without a job.  You’ll eventually find the dealer that gives you an opportunity to shine.