is it possible to skip bdr position on my way to becoming ae??

im just curious is there any chance, or how good i need to be, to jump from sdr role to ae? is it even possible??
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21
Kosta_Konfucius
Politicker
10
Sales Rep
I did, but I didn’t start in Tech Sales but IT staffing.

It’s for sure possible with tech sales but definitely a lot more challenging
BlueJays2591
Politicker
1
Federal Business Dev Director
I started in IT staffing as well. Don't miss it one bit
Kosta_Konfucius
Politicker
1
Sales Rep
Not the best industry, met some great people though
hh456
Celebrated Contributor
6
sales
If you can’t open the door, you won’t be able to walk someone through it.

No way you’d succeed as an AE, let alone get anyone in your team to trust you in that role.
braintank
Politicker
4
Enterprise Account Executive
Anything is possible, but why?
bountyhunter
Contributor
0
SDR (Sales Development Rep)
i think its so hard to find those leads
braintank
Politicker
4
Enterprise Account Executive
Huh?
braintank
Politicker
9
Enterprise Account Executive
If you want to skip being a BDR because it's too difficult to prospect you're going to fail miserably as an AE.
Sunbunny31
Politicker
5
Sr Sales Executive 🐰
Absolutely true. It’s a skill you’re going to need to have.
DungeonsNDemos
Big Shot
4
Rolling 20's all day
Yes, but you need to really know your stuff when it comes to selling.
The only times I've seen this are 1) someone coming from another industry with sales experience. 2) someone transitions from a CSM at the same company.
3) The company can't keep people and just throws whoever they get into the role and it's a rough time for everyone
SaaSsy
Politicker
4
AE
Yep, I did - started as a full cycle rep selling Ed tech and that was a smooth transition to tech AE. Network! If you find the right hiring manager that sees talent and is willing to polish skill, experience isn’t that crucial.
CuriousFox
WR Officer
3
🦊
Yes it's possible. What's up?
Mr.Pickles
Arsonist
2
Sr. Customer Success Manager
I have seen in the company I work for that you can apply for SDR and if there's an open spot for Account executive then you can transition forward. Depending on the company and how horizontal are the roles it can be done.
Diablo
Politicker
2
Sr. AE
Jumping to AE is very much possible but the the ‘why’ you have is scary. How successful have you been an a BDR?
FinanceEngineer
Politicker
2
Sr Director, sales and partnerships
Yes, I did. Just just have to start in industry and then sell to it.
BlueJays2591
Politicker
2
Federal Business Dev Director
It's definitely possible, but harder in SaaS
TennisandSales
Politicker
2
Head Of Sales
It’s possible if you have closing experience in another industry. But if not, then it’s very unlikely
Pachacuti
Politicker
2
They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy
Yes, you don't have to be a SDR/BDR, but the training sure helps.
FoodForSales
Politicker
1
AE
I think only SaaS/tech have those entry level SDR roles. Most companies don't.
GreenSide
Politicker
1
Sales manager
Y’all are a bunch of gatekeepers who think the only way to get it done is the way you did it.

Yes. 100% possible to skip the BDR role. You need to find the right leaders willing to at least hear your story and give you a shot. One team I was on, two years in a row neither of the top two reps had BDR experience. One jumped from SDR to AE and the other from marketing at a different company (no closing experience or BDR). You better be able to sell the shit out of yourself though. A generic story won’t do it.
ChickenDinner
Politicker
1
Account Executive
Yea it's not super likely. I've had buddies apply straight for an AE roll because they were too cool for school to start as an SDR and they didn't get it, but I bet they would've have gotten the SDR roll if he just played the long game
dbrooks
Old School Bravo
1
sales hunter
Yes! You still have to prospect, hunt, present, and close. Essentially you have to know and have a skillset to manage full-cycle sales and close deals.
SalesBeast
Politicker
0
Ty
Yes put on knee pads and open wide. Ahhhhh.
activity
Politicker
0
VP, Business Development
In tech, it's near impossible.
punishedlad
Tycoon
0
🧙‍♂️
Possible? Yes. Difficult? Also yes. Not the recommended pathway, and would likely require some nepotism to get there.
Kosta_Konfucius
Politicker
1
Sales Rep
Timing too
antiASKHOLE
Tycoon
0
Bravado's Resident Asshole
It can happen, but doesn't mean it will be easy to find.
19
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