Armed_KO profile picture
Armed_KO profile picture

Armed_KO

BDR

Fire Starter
Contributor
Good Citizen

BDR to AE movement - Stuck

Dear Bravado


Im working for a large SAAS firm, joined as a BDA, got promoted to SDR, BDR, Sr BDR, been with the company for 4 years.


However now i feel stuck, company has been on a growth journey and have been aggressively building teams and hiring BDRS. Some BDRs also have closing experience and could have been hired for a AE directly.


While i am more tenured in the company, there are now 10-15 reps (internal) aiming for one or two AE role which open every 6 months.


How do i stand out?


I sometimes end up comparing myself to my colleagues who have moved ahead as AE's. I do not want to look out at the moment as i have some personal commitments, but most time i feel like i'm not challenged enough.


Please guide me.. @Armed_K0

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14 comments

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oldcloser
Arsonist
5
💀
Not saying it’s justified but there is something about you personally that says to management you’ll be ok if you’re passed up for the AE role. And the idea of a meritocracy is a fantasy. Management agnostic career progression doesn’t happen in real life.

Let it be known that its your time. Stand up. Fight.
CuriousFox
WR Officer
6
🦊
Fight. For your right. To paarrrrrrttttyyyyyy
oldcloser
Arsonist
2
💀
jefe
Arsonist
2
🍁
Unfortunately this is very true.
LambyCorn
Arsonist
1
A mfkn E
get up stand up, dont give up the fight - stand up for your right
Pachacuti
Politicker
5
They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy
Sometimes to move up you need to move out.

You’ve been tagged as a SDR/bdr guy. Hard to dig yourself out of that. And it appears your company is good at dangling carrots in front of you all.

So my suggestion is to simply look for AE role
Outside your company.
Phillip_J_Fry
Opinionated
4
Director of Revenue
I'd sit down with your manager and tell them you'd like to be an AE within the next 6months and ask how to build a roadmap to make that happen. Stress the success you've had in the company and the promotions you've gotten, and let them know that AE is the next step you'd like to take in your career.
If they help out, awesome, you're on your way. If they're dismissive, then it's probably time to hit up some other places looking for AE's, and your current company shouldnt be surprised when you bounce.
Diablo
Politicker
3
Sr. AE
Don’t compare but learn from them how they stood out to get promoted before you. How have you been performing these years? Be communicative, discuss your growth plans with your manager. Of nothing works break the barrier and look outside.
Sunbunny31
Politicker
2
Sr Sales Executive 🐰
Agree, this is a good point. What did these BDRs do that got them promoted? Any common things they share? Are you on the same path?
GDO
Politicker
3
BDM
Communicatie clearly you’re ready for the next step. If it doesn’t come go somewhere else
pirate
Big Shot
2
🦜☠️ Account Executive
Do not compare yourself others. Just be the best version of yourself
braintank
Politicker
2
Enterprise Account Executive
Crazy there are 4 layers of BDRs at your co!
Beans
Big Shot
1
Enterprise Account Executive
Make noise, to your leadership and theirs.
Kosta_Konfucius
Politicker
1
Sales Rep
Thats something you need to discuss with your manager and potential hiring managers, what skills are you lacking that prove you will be a great hire for an AE role

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