Any tips for fresh college grads trying to break into big tech SDR roles? (SF, Oracle, Adobe, etc...)

These are highly competitive so my question is directed to BDRs that have done this with no white collar work experience.


How did you separate yourself from the pack?

🎈 Mentorship
🚀 Career Goals
📚 Resource
8
CoorsKing
WR Officer
3
Retired King of the Coors Knights
Hi - I am someone who broke into a similar "big tech" unicorn straight out of college. Start prospecting who the SDR managers are in your area, and reach out. Do you have any mutual connections that work there? That is a good place to start as well. 
MontBlanc
Notable Contributor
0
Senior Account Executive
Good advice, the networking hack is very underrated
Diablo
Politicker
0
Sr. AE
Yes and the right people do leverage this method
CaneWolf
Politicker
1
Call me what you want, just sign the damn contract
These teams at the bigger players (I started at a recognizable name brand) tend to have specific recruiters for these roles. They go through thousands of resumes and it is mostly a shot in the dark until the interview process. If you can find that recruiter, you can reach out directly. 
CuriousFox
WR Officer
2
🦊
I know that's right! 💯 makes a difference finding a fantastic recruiter. 
ColdCallPro
Valued Contributor
1
Account Executive
1. Leverage your connections on LinkedIn. Schedule time with your 1st or 2nd degree contacts at those companies to learn about to organization. Let them know your interest in the company and see if you can lock a referral.

2. Companies, especially in the remote environment, want reps who are self starters, with a growth mindset, who are driven to hit numbers even without a lot of direction. 

3. Let them know you might not have the direct experience but relate your previous experiences back to the traits that are needed to be a successful SDR. Definitely highlight doing activities others didn't want to (like cold calling), being creative to hit a goal that others felt was too big (like hitting quota), and share how you've been successful while supporting the overall team goal as well. 
ChicagoCloser1717
Politicker
1
New Business Development Representative
If you aint callin you aint ballin. Best advice I got as an entry level sales rep right out of college. I preceded to lead my team in call volume and talk time for the next two years.
SammySandbags
Politicker
0
Account Executive
went to a college that was heavily recruited at the big firms. helped a classmate already worked there too
GDO
Politicker
0
BDM
Reach out and network. These companies hire a bunch of people every year!

Good luck!
3

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Question
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5

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Advice
9
Which area would your tip be?
49% Calling
18% Emailing
23% Communicating
10% Closing
39 people voted
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Tips for transitioning and succeeding in tech sales?

Question
10