Global Friendships and Continuous Learning on Our Japan Sales Team

兒丸仁美 (Hitomi Komaru)

Commercial Sales Manager

JAPAC | Blog | Career Development

Friday, December 12, 2024

Joining Palo Alto Networks

I am responsible for high-touch sales in the Commercial market. Working closely with our partners, I help deliver security solutions to businesses using Palo Alto Networks products. I spent over 10 years working in partner sales at a domestic ICT distributor. The joy of achieving growth together with our partners, rather than merely focusing on personal gains, continues to be my driving force in sales. Eager to make an impact in a new field, I joined Palo Alto Networks as a salesperson in April 2024.

As I wasn't particularly familiar with network security prior to joining, I was honestly a bit anxious. However, the onboarding program provided industry trends and product knowledge that greatly eased my transition. I participated in the 10-week FLIGHT program, a global new hire training for sales roles, which covered a range of skills from fundamentals to advanced applications through Zoom and web-based modules. I also had the opportunity to spend two weeks each at our headquarters in Santa Clara, USA, and our Singapore office, deepening my understanding of global security trends and challenges by visiting facilities like the Executive Briefing Center.

While the FLIGHT program was conducted in English, which was challenging at times, I managed by using interpretation tools, reviewing content with my Japanese team, and consulting senior colleagues when needed. There was also training in Japan, where I could learn in my native language, which made it easier to apply the concepts to my role. I felt reassured, knowing my colleagues and instructors encouraged me to reach out anytime I had questions.

Life at Palo Alto Networks Over the Past Six Months

It's been six months since I joined, and I am still learning every day. I find great satisfaction in being able to convey the importance and value of security to our customers. My goal is to make my interactions and Palo Alto Networks’ solutions meaningful and valuable for each customer.

A particularly memorable experience was forming friendships with international colleagues I met during training. Even after training, we keep in touch, sharing challenges and initiatives, and some have even become close friends. Building these new connections has been an enriching experience unique to a global company.

A Message for Future Candidates

At Palo Alto Networks, there are ample opportunities for passionate individuals to gain meaningful experience and learn. While stepping into a new path may feel daunting, I encourage you to take the plunge for a fulfilling journey. I look forward to working together!

パロアルトネットワークスのキャリア体験談

こんにちは！今回は、パロアルトネットワークスのCommercial営業本部でコマーシャルセールスマネージャーを務める兒丸仁美さん（Hitomi Komaru）にインタビューしました。営業の第一線で活躍しつつ、新しい環境で挑戦を続ける彼女のキャリアや入社体験についてお話を伺います。

兒丸さんのキャリアについて

兒丸さんは、国内ICTディストリビュータで10年以上パートナー営業を経験されました。お客様とパートナー様の目指す成果を共有し、それを一緒に実現することにやりがいを感じていたそうです。この経験が、彼女の営業としての推進力や信頼を構築する礎となりました。

その後、営業戦略部門に移り、個人の成功を組織全体に広げる仕組みづくりにも挑戦。そして2024年4月、新しい分野で再び営業として挑戦するためにパロアルトネットワークスへ入社されました。現在は、パートナー企業と連携しながら、企業のお客様にセキュリティソリューションを提供しています。

入社後のオンボーディング体験

「入社前はネットワークセキュリティの専門知識が乏しかったため、不安もありました」と語る兒丸さん。しかし、オンボーディングプログラムがその不安を解消してくれたそうです。グローバル研修である「FLIGHTプログラム」では、アメリカ本社やシンガポールオフィスを訪問し、セキュリティの最新動向やパロアルトネットワークスの製品について学ぶ機会がありました。

研修は英語で行われたため苦労もありましたが、通訳ツールや日本人チームのサポート、先輩社員への相談を活用しながら乗り越えることができたと話してくれました。研修を通じて得た知識はもちろん、海外の同僚と築いた関係も、今後のキャリアの大きな財産となっているそうです。