Smilesndialz profile picture
Smilesndialz profile picture

Smilesndialz

SDR

Politicker
Arsonist
Valued Contributor
+6

How long to move from SDR to AE

I've been an SDR for 6 months now at my current org. I was previously an SDR for 4 months at another place but I left because of a toxic boss so I have almost a year of experience. I want to make the jump from SDR to AE at my current org but they're making me wait until promotion paths are made but other people were promoted without these paths in place. 

I've considered making the jump to AE outside my company but idk if they'd take me. should I stick around and wait for a promotion or try to find an AE role elsewhere? 


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6

19 comments

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braintank
Politicker
8
Enterprise Account Executive
If you can find a place that'll take you as an AE then why not. Just make sure they have a good training program.

Whatever you do don't leave to be an SDR someplace else, even if they offer you the moon and path to AE in 3 weeks.

Despite what recruiters say, every time you move you reset the clock.
Smilesndialz
Politicker
2
SDR
It seems so hard because some require 2-3 years or more of experience. Would taking a Senior SDR role be good?
braintank
Politicker
1
Enterprise Account Executive
I hear you. I've been there. Put in my 18 months of SDR work back in the day. Before gong and salesloft automated everything!

A promotion to senior SDR is good but not if it involves leaving current company. 

Curious what's the difference between an SDR and senior SDR?
Smilesndialz
Politicker
1
SDR
I’m honestly not sure. I think senior SDR is more teamwork oriented stuff.
braintank
Politicker
1
Enterprise Account Executive
If it's an internal promotion then why not. But don't leave for this.
CoorsKing
WR Officer
6
Retired King of the Coors Knights
Realistically it may take 18-24 months, and every time you move companies that clock resets. 
Smilesndialz
Politicker
1
SDR
I already had to move once because my first boss was so mean and toxic towards me.
TennisandSales
Politicker
2
Head Of Sales
if you want to be an AE you need to get our of being an SDR as fast as possible. BUT like @braintank is saying, do not leave again for an SDR role no company is going to grandfather your experience to shorten the path to AE with them 

reach out to your company and ask for a clear reason why some ppl were promoted with out this new path in place, and what you would need to show them to get a promotion. 

i would not let years of experience stop you from applying to current AE positions ether. 
Smilesndialz
Politicker
1
SDR
I’m afraid of looking confrontational though but I just might do it.
braintank
Politicker
3
Enterprise Account Executive
Good advice: ask what you would need to show them to get a promotion. 

Not recommended: Ask for a clear reason why some ppl were promoted with out this new path in place.

If you take path 1 you show you're ambitious and open to feedback. Path 2 makes you look whiny and entitled.
Smilesndialz
Politicker
1
SDR
I think that’s a great idea. I’ll bring it up in my 1:1.
CuriousFox
WR Officer
2
🦊
Maybe a year?
Smilesndialz
Politicker
0
SDR
A year at my current company or in general?
saleschangeagent
Contributor
1
VP Sales
My suggestion is to be the best at what you are doing today, ensure you discuss with your leadership your desire to become and AE and crush it for 18-24 months
Nikosuave
Executive
1
Business Development Manager
It depends on the company I know where I work the SDRs are in seat for 12 months and as long as they hit 80%+ of their number they get promoted to an AE almost automatically 
Smilesndialz
Politicker
0
SDR
80%+ average or every month? I’m just curious
Nikosuave
Executive
1
Business Development Manager
Average across the 4Qs
DSAE
Opinionated
1
Enterprise AE
I'm hiring AEs from an SDR background if you're based in Austin. 
Smilesndialz
Politicker
0
SDR
I am unfortunately not based in Austin.

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