From Trainee to Sales Manager in Three Steps

From Trainee to Sales Manager in Three Steps

Sixteen months ago, Lukas Berthold started as a trainee at Getzner Textil. Today, he manages customers in North America, England, and Germany as a Sales Manager. How is that possible in such a short time? A  guide in three steps.

Step 1: Show Interest

Whether in London, Milan, or Portland – trade fairs and customer visits have become part of Lukas's daily routine. This means the Vorderland native is now fully immersed in the international textile business.

“After studying economics in Innsbruck, I was looking for a globally successful company. Getzner Textil’s high export rate immediately caught my interest. I soon realized that it wasn’t just the international aspect but, above all, the variety of products that fascinated me,” Lukas explains.

2. Schritt: Leidenschaft entwickeln

During his trainee program, Lukas gained insights into various departments—from production to sales. “Seeing how much craftsmanship and innovation go into each fabric really fascinated me,” he says. His enthusiasm for textiles grew with every project, and he quickly realized that sales was the perfect fit for him.

“Explaining our high-quality fabrics to customers and finding the best solutions for them is something I really enjoy. The combination of technical know-how and direct customer contact makes my job incredibly exciting,” Lukas shares.

Step 3: Complete the Trainee Program and Take Off

Lukas successfully completed his trainee program and seamlessly transitioned into his role as a Sales Manager. “The structured training and hands-on experience prepared me perfectly for the job,” he says. Today, he is responsible for customers in North America, England, and Germany—traveling frequently and building strong relationships.

“What I appreciate most is the trust and responsibility I was given right from the start. At Getzner Textil, you can grow quickly if you show initiative and commitment,” Lukas emphasizes. His journey from trainee to Sales Manager proves that with curiosity, passion, and the right opportunities, career advancement can happen faster than expected.