Mark P J Major

Since moving to China in March, I have taught in a few English language teaching establishments including Shangdon University, where the student need to pass his exam in order to go to his first choice University in Australia which he did. I am teaching myself Chinese because it gives me a much better idea of teaching English to Chinese students of all ages, and I see for myself the differences in the languages. I am teaching kindergarten, children of all ages and I teach a retired professor English and we study Confucius together, and the more I study Confucius the better teacher I am becoming.

I have also taught in Spanish and I speak Spanish.

English Teacher - Shangdon University and other English language teaching establishments - China

(2017-03)

Teaching English in various establishments. Teaching kindergarten, children of all ages, and a retired professor. Teaching myself Chinese to better understand teaching English to Chinese students of all ages.

• Taught at Shangdon University where student passed exam to attend first choice University in Australia
• Teaching kindergarten and children of all ages
• Teaching retired professor English and studying Confucius together
• Self-teaching Chinese to improve teaching methodology

Sales Advisor, Leica and Fuji Specialist Dealer - R G Lewis - London, UK

(2012-07-23 - 2017-03-25)

• Taking in deliveries and selling second hand equipment
• Booking repairs
• Conversing with Spanish customers in London and The Chilean Embassy
• Introduced stock control using iPad
• Producing tickets and listings for eBay

Senior Sales Advisor - Jacobs Digital Photo & Video - New Oxford Street, London, UK

(2008 - 2012)

Senior sales advisor in the company's flagship store on New Oxford Street. Selling to the full range of customers from enthusiastic amateurs to professionals. Many overseas customers and fluent Spanish speaking ability was a great advantage.

Noted for friendly approach, interest in understanding customers' requirements and meeting their needs, sales skills, patience, and ability to close a sale. Worked very much as a team member. Received lots of compliments from customers.

Had a number of customers who trusted advice and regularly came back asking for this person when needing more equipment. Sold the full range of cameras and accessories at all prices with some sales amounting to several thousand pounds. Had full knowledge of a comprehensive range of product lines.

• Selling to full range of customers from enthusiastic amateurs to professionals
• Handling overseas customers
• Speaking fluent Spanish with customers
• Demonstrated friendly approach and understanding of customer requirements
• Closed high-value sales amounting to several thousand pounds
• Full knowledge of comprehensive range of product lines
• Company went bankrupt in 2012

Senior Sales Advisor - Photo Optix PLC - Central London, UK

(2001 - 2006)

Senior sales advisor at Photo Optix PLC which sold cameras to serious amateurs rather than to the professional market. Company was taken over by Jacobs Digital Photo & Video in 2008.

English Teacher, HGV Lorry Driver, Sales - Self-employed - North Spain

(1996 - 2006)

• Set up, promoted and taught English classes to children and young adults
• Contracted by local government to teach English around nearby villages
• Used local government office space for classes
• Taught children ages 6-16 years old
• Drove HGV Class 2 lorry delivering fresh fish from France to Spain
• Sold and arranged delivery of photographic albums from Zaragoza to Sangers of Birmingham UK until Sangers went bust
• Sold Encyclopaedias for training of medical staff in Cantabria, the Basque Country, Galicia and Madrid
• Self-taught fluent Spanish: speaking, reading and writing

Architectural Photographer - John Taylor Associates UK - UK

(1990 - 1993)

• Photographing buildings under construction
• Photographing government owned buildings
• Photographing architectural project developments and models
• Photographing important portraits of board members and guests
• Using lightning and flash photography
• Using 35mm, medium format, 5"x4" and 10"x8" cameras
• Company went bankrupt in 1993

Mini Lab Technician - Ritz Cameras - Detroit, Michigan, USA

(1989 - 1990)

Mini Lab technician while on a working visa for 3 months.

Sales Advisor, Darkroom Technician, Photographer - Reitop Photographic Ltd. - Beckenham, UK

(1987 - 1989)

Owner-managed shop. Sales advisor, darkroom technician, and photographer of original photographs to make copies for clients.

Bishop Challoner Primary School

Langley Park Secondary School for Boys (1974 - 1984)

A' levels - Geography, History and English - Guildford University (1984 - 1987)

Bachelor's degree - Photography - Guildford University