Career stories
Career Story: Marianna Theodorou
Meet Marianna, a dynamic professional whose career journey has landed her in the bustling world of Sales Operations in the UK at ReBound. Born and raised in Cyprus, Marianna’s career journey began with a love for physics. Her academic pursuits led her to the University of Surrey in Guildford, UK where she pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Physics. During her time there, Marianna honed her knowledge and skills in the world of physics, setting the stage for what would become a remarkable career transformation. After completing her studies, Marianna embarked on a career as a physics teacher, working with secondary school students aged 11-18. Despite enjoying watching her students learn, Marianna knew that teaching wasn’t something she wanted to do for the long term. It was at this juncture that she began to explore new opportunities beyond the realm of education.
Discovering a New Path at ReBound
Marianna’s journey took an unexpected turn when she stumbled upon a role at ReBound. She initially considered an Operations position, but her skills and background led her in a different direction—Account Management. This role allowed her to combine her knack for customer relations with her passion for problem-solving and organization. Marianna joined ReBound in September 2021 as an Account Manager, a role she quickly grew to love.
“I liked being an account manager, so I actually wasn’t looking to move away from it,” Marianna recalls. “However, when the new Sales Operations position opened up, I thought it could help me with my knowledge of logistics and project management. I was excited at the prospect of being able to familiarize myself with managing different projects at the same time, and this would be great for my personal development.”
Transitioning to Sales Operations
In September 2023, Marianna switched roles and became a Sales Operations Specialist. Her transition was marked by excitement and a thirst for knowledge. “I did enjoy the client-facing aspect of being an Account Manager,” Marianna explains, “but I’m excited to dive into my new role and learn new things.”
Yet, the journey was not without its challenges. Marianna found herself in uncharted territory as the first person in ReBound’s UK office to hold this role. She had to navigate and adapt to existing processes and methodologies, learning and relearning along the way.
Thriving in a New Role
Marianna has appreciated the career progression she’s seen so far at ReBound, and appreciates that no matter her job title, she is surrounded by supportive colleagues. “We get to know each other quite well,” she says, “and in general, we get to bond with each other.” This camaraderie and team spirit have been instrumental in helping her navigate the transitions and complexities of her evolving career. Marianna is excited to grow in her new role and continue learning. When asked about her favorite part of the job, she said, “I love working with different dynamic teams across ReBound. In this role, I have a lot of interaction with my own team, Account Managers, and Sales which keeps me on my toes every day and allows me to continue learning more about our business.”