I am a partner manager and thinking about changing role to AE or CSM. How to decide?

Question

I work as a partner manager. I have a commission plan but my KPIs are stupid, I am not measured on direct sales through partners but I am measured on "influenced ACV" by partners.

CONs OF MY ROLE

I feel that I am learning nothing, that my role is useless, and that there is no real career opportunity. Also, this kind of role is very rare in other companies, and changing would be really difficult.

PROs OF MY ROLE

My day is really light. On average I work 3 hours per day. The commission is certain, and I will never be laid off due to my country's laws. My boss is chill, I speak with him once a month and he's ok with my work.

I want to change jobs and do something with more responsibilities, such as AE or CSM. I am not sure which would be the right choice.

I am not great at handling stress but I am great at communicating with people, I did some demos in the past and the customers all bought.

I need a guide folks, I feel lost.

Accepted Answer

Stress is gonna come with either role. You have easy street now.

Answer

You seem to like the laid back lifestyle. Become a CSM.

Answer

To me, this definitely reads like you'd be happier as a CSM.

Answer

Both AE and CSM come with stress, so it depends on where your heart lies. I went with CSM because it's maybe marginally less stressful (farmer vs hunter to oversimplify the roles) but it's going to largely depend on how you envision your optimal day to day work.

Answer

I would go for CSM from partner manager but it seems like you describe a nice for as AE for yourself

Answer

The difference is AE needs to close and CSM takes the customers issues and delegates them to the appropriate team. The stress is high on both, but it tends to be higher in AE land.

Answer

You’re going to get an overwhelming number of people here leaning toward AE because of who we are.

Answer

You’re getting paid full time to work part time hours? Sounds like you got it made my dude.

Answer

The Career opportunity in partnerships is to work your way up to VP level. I've always thought the partnerships route would do wonders for my blood pressure, but alas I hunt on

vudko20

I am a partner manager and thinking about changing role to AE or CSM. How to decide?

Stick to your Partner Manager role

14 comments

vudko20

I am a partner manager and thinking about changing role to AE or CSM. How to decide?

Stick to your Partner Manager role

14 comments

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