Career Skills & Transitions with Cameron Wasilewsky, Senior Sales Engineer at Snowflake

What’s your career story so far?

I began my journey in Australia, diving deep into the world of data, AI, and Data Science. Early in my career, I worked at Deloitte in Analytics & AI Consulting. This phase was instrumental in honing my technical skills, especially as I pursued a Master's of Data Science simultaneously. While at Deloitte, I not only strengthened my technical prowess but also developed essential soft skills, particularly in the realm of presentations and client interactions.

After my stint in consulting, I transitioned to the banking sector. Here, my focus shifted towards leadership and technology. The banking environment provided me with invaluable insights into the political management of people, the art of influence, and the nuances of interpersonal dynamics.

Eventually, I moved to New York and joined Snowflake, a data-focused company, working within their sales team. Throughout my career, I've prioritized effective communication and leadership. While I continue to align with Snowflake's vision, I'm also dedicated to building my own personal brand. My current aspirations include enhancing my sales skills and broadening my professional footprint beyond my association with the companies I work for.

What ingredients (e.g. skills, attitudes, etc) were most important early on in your career?

From the outset of my career, the paramount ingredient has been my insatiable desire to learn and explore new horizons. I've always sought situations that push me out of my comfort zone, ensuring I'm on a path of continuous growth and challenge.

Whenever I feel stagnant, it signals the need for a new adventure or learning opportunity.

This drive to constantly evolve and embrace discomfort has been a guiding force throughout my journey. This is a big reason for why I left Deloitte, and ultimately Australia to pursue situations that make me uncomfortable and force me to learn.

What is the biggest career transition you’ve made? What helped you to take this step?

The most significant career shift I'm undergoing is my recent move to the US, which involved a complete role change. Transitioning from a technical role within tech teams to a position in technical sales in a new American market has been a profound change. This move wasn't just about the job; it encompassed relocating homes and adapting to a new country. While I'm still in the process of gauging the success of this transition, I'm actively leveraging my expertise from consulting, my technological experience in banking, and my ever-present drive to learn and embrace new experiences as tools to navigate this change.

How have you built your own professional toolkit over time?

I've cultivated my professional toolkit by actively engaging in conversations with peers and mentors. My learning journey has been supplemented by extensive consumption of YouTube videos, podcasts, and books, enabling me to assimilate diverse insights from various sources. While not all information encountered is accurate, I rely on critical thinking to assess its validity and relevance to my professional growth.

How do you approach learning new skills?

I gravitate towards high-level overviews, often relying on tools like ChatGPT to provide concise summaries of pertinent topics. My preferred learning modalities are videos and audio, with YouTube videos and podcasts being my go-to resources. While I'm not particularly fond of reading, I reserve it for in-depth exploration of specific subjects when necessary.

What’s the best career advice you’ve received?

A mentor at Deloitte once emphasized to me

the importance of not being narrowly focused solely on my specialty.

They advised me to broaden my horizons, gain a more comprehensive understanding of the world, and actively seek out diverse ideas. This mentor also introduced me to the habit of reading books and exploring perspectives different from my own, which has been invaluable.

What’s one thing you wish you knew when you first started your career?

While I had been told, I wish I truly understood and believed that “nobody has everything figured out. Most people are navigating their paths by making the next best decision they deem right in the moment”. Only a rare few have a clear-cut vision of their end goal. For the majority, it's more about pondering, "What's next?"

Instead of fixating on a distant, specific goal, it's more beneficial to focus on immediate steps that contribute to personal growth, create memorable experiences, and weave an enriching narrative for one's career.

What’s one resource (book, podcast, article, etc.) that’s helped you in your journey?

Three pivotal books have profoundly influenced my approach to interactions, management, and achieving success. The first is "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," which underscored the importance of collaboration and empathetic listening. It taught me to work harmoniously with others and prioritize self-awareness. This theme of listening was further emphasized in my second influential read, "Just Listen" by Mark Goulston. The book sheds light on the transformative power of truly hearing others. Lastly, "Captivate: The Science of Succeeding with People" by Vanessa Van Edwards delves into understanding and effectively engaging with individuals, emphasizing the role of listening and empathy in fostering successful relationships.