Early in her career, my friend, Sanaz Collins, currently VP – Marketing Demand Generation at Enterprise Bank & Trust, landed a job as a teller with another bank – a position she approached with genuine enthusiasm. What set Sanaz apart wasn’t her transaction speed or perfect drawer balances (though those mattered too). It was her ability to connect with people.
Sanaz made it a point to chat with everyone who walked through the bank’s doors. Not just customers, but also the entire ecosystem of bank associates who made the branch run. The finance manager would swing by her window between meetings, HR would stop to chat during their coffee runs, and even executives would pause for quick hellos.
These weren’t calculated networking moves—Sanaz was simply being herself. But her authentic interest in others was building something powerful: A web of relationships across departments and hierarchy levels.
One afternoon, a marketing specialist approached Sanaz’s window with news that would change everything. She was moving to another state and would be leaving the bank. In the casual conversation that followed, Sanaz asked a simple but pivotal question: “Who’s taking over your role?”
When the marketing specialist mentioned they hadn’t started looking yet, Sanaz didn’t hesitate. “I’d love to be considered for that position.” It wasn’t a desperate plea or an awkward ask—just a straightforward expression of interest from someone who had proven herself as engaged and capable.
Her colleague was surprised but intrigued. She’d watched Sanaz’s work ethic and people skills firsthand. Within days, she’d put in a strong recommendation with leadership, highlighting Sanaz’s potential and the relationships she’d already built across the organization.
Soon thereafter, Sanaz traded her teller drawer for a marketing desk. The transition wasn’t without challenges—she had to learn new skills and prove herself in an entirely different function. But the foundation of trust and relationships she’d built made all the difference. Colleagues who might have been skeptical of an internal transfer instead became champions of her success.
That role became the launchpad for Sanaz’s career. She’s still credits that moment at the teller window as the turning point that changed her professional trajectory.
Were there lessons learned along the way? You bet there were!
- Build genuine relationships across all levels and departments. You never know who might become your biggest advocate or where your next opportunity might come from. Your authentic connections with colleagues beyond your immediate role can create an invaluable network of support.
- Stay curious about opportunities around you. Keep your ears open for organizational changes, new projects, and role transitions. Whether you are actively job hunting, being aware of what was happening in other parts of the business can position you to act at the right moment.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want. When opportunity knocks, clearly express your interest. The worst that could happen is hearing “no”—but your willingness to advocate for yourself can lead to a career-defining “yes.”
With appreciation to Sanaz for sharing her story… Happy Networking!