salezkween

Enterprise Account Executive

Challenging Move?

I've been an enterprise AE for about a year now and am starting to realize I think I have a lot to offer from a sales management role.

I'm at a startups so a lot of what we do as AEs are peer coaching, sharing best practices, sharing our templates we create to the team.

How difficult would it be to try and apply to sales manager roles with no years experience in an actual management position? Am I stuck?

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Kosta_Konfucius

Politicker

Sales Rep

You are not stuck at all. But when I do talk to managers/directors lots of them do says the hardest role to land is their first management role. I would assume it would easiest at your current company if you make it clear to leadership that’s your goal

Sunbunny31

Politicker

Sr Sales Executive 🐰

Yes. At the large tech company I worked at, there was a defined path for those AEs who wanted to move into management. It was almost automatic for the best ICs (which sometimes was a mistake - not all AEs make good managers!).

I'd let your manager know you're interested in that path, and see if you'll get some coaching and guidance, as well as help getting that next position.

antiASKHOLE

Tycoon

Bravado's Resident Asshole

You have to start somewhere. Check and see what the path looks like and if that sounds like it's possible and enjoyable for you, then go down that road.

jefe

Arsonist

🍁

That's a tough move. Every manager has to start somewhere, but usually that's an internal promotion.

I'm sure people have moved into external management roles without direct management experience, but I can't imagine that happening after a year as an AE..

I think you need to spend some more time in the trenches.

salezkween

Opinionated

Enterprise Account Executive

i’ve been an ae for 7 years

jefe

Arsonist

🍁

Missed the 'enterprise' part, sorry!

Rest of the comment (minus the trenches part) stands though :)

Good luck!

AnchorPoint

Politicker

Business Coach

"Stuck" is only in your head - always. There are always options. Apply and prove your worth. Your passion will win.

salezkween

Opinionated

Enterprise Account Executive

Thank you all for your feedback. I’m working with my CRO to document things I am doing outside of my role to scale our team, work cross-functionally and increase stage conversions!

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salezkween

Challenging Move?

8 comments

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