yuanquan

Inside Sales Representative

Fresh Grad Account Manager/ Executive?

Hi All, do you know if its possible to skip SDR/BDR and go straight to AM/AE roles straight out of college?

I have 1 year of tech sales (intern + part time) experience as an ISR, and 3.5 years of real estate & insurance sales experience (intern + part time).

I feel like joining a company as a SDR/BDR seems like a bit of a step back since I've already carried quota in insurance sales, and proved my ability to manage pipeline + close end-to-end deals in tech.

Going back to just lead development/ qualification doesn't seem too exciting all things considered.

What do you all think?

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Sunbunny31

Politicker

Sr Sales Executive 🐰

1 year as an ISR in tech will possibly get you to SMB AE - it's worth a try.

If you're targeting the bigger tech companies, I wouldn't expect to bypass the BDR/SDR path. Considering that you do have some relevant experience, you may have a shorter trip to AE, depending. You'll also benefit from all that comes with joining an established brand - excellent training and support and name brand recognition if and when you move on. The only issue right now is the hiring freeze that's taking place over the sector.

In this environment, I'd cast a fairly large net in order to maximize your exposure and get a better chance at landing the interviews.

yuanquan

Fire Starter

Inside Sales Representative

Thanks! That's pretty insightful. All things considered, I think it'll still be a pretty good opportunity joining the bigger tech companies as an SDR/BDR if that means I get great training and improved long term prospects.

Do you have any companies in mind with great training programs? I still have a few months till graduation so I can possibly wait out the hiring freeze.

Sunbunny31

Politicker

Sr Sales Executive 🐰

Pretty much any of the large tech companies have sales programs. Take a look at the careers pages and see if they offer sales academies or similar. Even if there’s nothing specific, the bigger companies do train and have programs. Best of luck to you!

CuriousFox

WR Officer

🦊

You won't know until you apply 🤷‍♀️

antiASKHOLE

Tycoon

Bravado's Resident Asshole

It IS possible, however, it will be very difficult and highly unlikely.

braintank

Politicker

Enterprise Account Executive

Sure. But why?

antiASKHOLE

Tycoon

Bravado's Resident Asshole

Kosta_Konfucius

Politicker

Sales Rep

100% its possible. Likely it wont be for a huge tech company but very do-able for a SMB AE in other industries where SDRs arent that common

Diablo

Politicker

Sr. AE

Everything is possible - some might need more effort (like your case here). All the best !

Spurs

Politicker

Account executive

I was in the same boat coming out of school - i got a few offers for full-cycle roles and ended up taking a fortune 50 full-cycle role.

I found that when I spoke to recruiters they would shoot me down instantly but when i called the hiring managers directly they would more receptive.

I would be targeted a full cycle smb AE role if I were you and then pivot that experience up market as you grow.

Gasty

Notable Contributor

War Room Community Manager

Question: You’re still fresh out of college, with full time work experience as 0 years. Is that correct ?

Pachacuti

Politicker

They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy

Sure. Just apply for those jobs.

jefe

Arsonist

🍁

Definitely worth a shot, but as others have said, try for smaller companies with less of a strict process.

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yuanquan

Fresh Grad Account Manager/ Executive?

13 comments

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