How possible is it to go from Channel Sales to Account Executive?

Current BDR here, just soaking up the sun here in the cold calling trenches. Been at my large cybersecurity company for 9 months now, and every last BDR has been promoted to the channel side of the business focusing on your territory's partners, distributors and resellers. We operate on a three tiered model going through resellers & distributors. If I were to take a position as Channel Devlopment Representative or Channel Account Manager, how possible is it to transition back to an end-user facing role or Account Executive position? What about if you'd be pursuing AE roles externally, does Channel experience look good for someone interviewing for AE positions?
🧠 Advice
🔐 Cybersecurity
🎯 Career Development
2
GDO
Politicker
2
BDM
Channel AM is a good step up towards being an AE. just do not stay too long on that side of the business.
braintank
Politicker
1
Enterprise Account Executive
Maybe it's just me but I look down my nose at all the channel people in my org. Seems to be more about who you know vs solid selling skills. However, I'd bet if you develop channel contacts it'll make you valuable to another org that distributes through the channel. 
Feds_Watchin
Politicker
3
AE
There’s definitely some validity to that. Regarding the OP, my advice would be to absolutely kick the tires on a Channel role with one caveat. If serious about being an AE, I would get out of the Channel within 1-2 years. You don’t want to develop the perception shared by braintank above me. I tend to agree with him as there is a lot of dead weight in that discipline. Just setting up happy hours. “Networking” and “Account Mapping” without any tangible results resulting in pipeline or revenue. 
5

What are the KPI of a high-performing Account Executive selling entreprise tech?

Question
17
13
Members only

ISR (Inside Sales Rep) VS AE (Account Executive)

Question
36
16

What pays more? Account Manager or Account Executive

Question
19