Upper_Class_SaaS

Account Executive

🔊 Career Advice 🔊

So I have been in an AE role now for a little over a year split between 2 companies ( so glad I got out of the hell hole of the first company, titanic 📉 ) and prior to being an AE, I managed an SDR team for about a year.

I like being an AE forsure and although currently, the commission structure isn't great the pay is decent. My company is opening up a new SDR manager role and I am not sure if I should at least interview since I really do enjoy the process of coaching and helping younger folks get their career set in a good direction.

BUT... I do not want to pigeonhole myself into SDR ONLY leadership.

What are y'all thoughts?

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13 comments

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poweredbycaffeine

WR Lieutenant

☕️

Do you enjoy being a leader? If so, sure, go into the process.

If you're happy as an AE, instead of pivoting to a new role, why not try to get a higher-paying AE role somewhere else? The market is white-hot right now!

Upper_Class_SaaS

Politicker

Account Executive

I do enjoy being in leadership. As for why no pivot to a new company is that the company I work for is rock solid and looking to have an exit within the next 1-2 years... don't want to miss out on the exit cheese

braintank

Politicker

Enterprise Account Executive

Nothing sadder than a middle aged SDR manager ;)

Upper_Class_SaaS

Politicker

Account Executive

😂 exactly! It's a much narrower career path up from there

CuriousFox

WR Officer

🦊

What do you want to do? Seriously? You have a stronger feeling one way over the other. Trust it.

Upper_Class_SaaS

Politicker

Account Executive

It's a good question. I want to be in leadership but I think career-wise being an AE for the next 2-3 years then going into an AE leadership position would be best

someoneinsales

Tycoon

Director of Sales

Approach them with the idea of Player-Coach. "I want to be an AE and help bring in revenue, but I feel like I can really make a difference by coaching the new SDR's. This will bring closing experience to the manager role with real examples on what works, as well as allow me to create a process very quickly." ....if you want both.

They will prob tell you that you need to pick one, but if you don't ask your wont receive.

Upper_Class_SaaS

Politicker

Account Executive

True - I think another issue is that I have been very much so enjoying WFH and managing the SDRs would need to be in house

alecabral

Arsonist

Director - Digital Sales Transformation

I agree with @poweredbycaffeine , if you feel this is something you'd love, go for it. What I'll add is that the fact you lead a SDR team for a while doesn't mean you can't lead other teams as well. Keep that in mind if you run for this role so you pitch wider.

Upper_Class_SaaS

Politicker

Account Executive

exactly my thoughts, thinking of the long term

FeedTheKids

Politicker

Solutions Consultant

If your making good money, I'd just stick around as an AE for another year or two to cash out.... This also gives you time to put thought into the next move

MajorB

WR Lieutenant

With the advent of Revenue Operations, I imagine there is a career path from SDR Manager -> SDR Director -> Revenue Operations (albeit a bit of a leap).

I know people who make great money & have excellent job security in SDR Management. + If you're good, you're a godsend to any sales organization, although you might not get massive credit for your contribution.

If it were me, I'd stay in the AE Seat longer so I could transition from SDR Manger -> AE manager without any friction.

Upper_Class_SaaS

Politicker

Account Executive

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Upper_Class_SaaS

🔊 Career Advice 🔊

13 comments

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