After working in marketing and internal communications, Pinya realized she wanted to work closer to customers. Through conversations, connections, and opportunities inside Textron, she made the transition into a new career path in sales.

“Before I came into this role, I didn’t really realize just how much goes on around the perimeter of an airport,” Pinya said. “When you’re traveling commercially, you can go one way to the terminal or the other way to the general aviation side.”

That “other way” is where Pinya spends much of her time now as a parts sales associate at Textron Aviation, helping customers across the Northeast find the parts and support they need to keep their aircraft flying.

Just months earlier, Pinya’s work looked very different. She was supporting employee communications at Textron Systems, writing and coordinating messaging for internal audiences.

Moving between roles and business units like this is one of the ways Textron employees grow their careers in the direction they want.

BUILDING EXPERIENCE ACROSS TEXTRON BUSINESSES

Pinya joined Textron in 2019 as a marketing intern at Textron Specialized Vehicles while studying at the University of South Carolina. After graduating, she moved into marketing and communications roles at Lycoming Engines and later Textron Systems.

At Textron Systems, she supported the HR organization by helping communicate important information to employees across the business.

“It was a lot of writing and internal networking,” Pinya said. “Really finding ways to support our internal employees.”

THE CONVERSATION THAT LED TO A CAREER PIVOT

Her path into sales was not something she had planned from the start, but the idea had been in the back of her mind for a while.

Last summer, while on vacation, she was playing a round of golf with family friends who had spent years working in sales. During the round, she shared something she had been thinking about.

“I told them I was thinking about going into sales,” she said. “And they looked at me and said, ‘You should absolutely do it.’”

Talking with experienced sales professionals helped her see the possibility more clearly.

“They gave me that push I needed to really go for it.”

HOW STAYING CONNECTED LED TO A NEW OPPORTUNITY

Not long after Pinya returned from vacation, she received a message about an open sales role from a Textron Aviation colleague who had previously worked at Textron Systems.

Pinya had stayed in touch with this colleague, who had moved from their marketing role at Textron Systems into sales at Textron Aviation. As Pinya began thinking more seriously about the transition, she reached out few times to ask for advice.

Pinya knew the move would come with a learning curve. She didn’t have traditional sales experience and still had a lot to learn about the technical side of the role. The sales team at Textron Aviation was supportive of her career aspirations.

“It emphasized how willing leaders are to help you succeed and help you get to where you want to be,” she said.

After formally going through the interview process, Pinya joined Textron Aviation’s Parts Sales team.

Pinya now covers a large territory across the Northeast supporting piston, turboprop and jet customers. Some days are spent prospecting and planning strategy. Other days involve traveling to meet customers in person and learn more about their operations.

A SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT

While Pinya has changed roles, she found one thing that hasn’t changed.

“It sounds cliché, but it’s the people,” Pinya says. “I’ve been so fortunate to work with great people in every role I’ve had at Textron. Every job has its challenges, but I’ve always had good people to lean on when things get tough.”

TIPS FOR JOB SEEKERS AND NAVIGATING INTERNAL MOVES AT TEXTRON

Moving into sales meant learning quickly. In the early weeks, Pinya spent time listening, learning from teammates, and asking what she described as “lots and lots” of questions.

“When I started this role, somebody told me, ‘Take advantage of being new. Ask all the questions,’” she said. A mentor reminded her that early in a role is the best time to learn. “You’re only new once.”

Pinya’s advice for those early in their career would be:

“Use your resources and talk to people who have done what you’re trying to do,” Pinya said. “Have open and honest conversations and keep asking questions.”