Is starting out in sales the best way to customer success manager Roles?

Currently looking to get into tech sales and/or non-technical customer success. I'm coming from a consulting background, and Have mainly been focused on applying to BDR roles at companies I am interested in. I am ultimately more interested in more of the post sales, account management work, but most CSM roles I see ask for several years of sales or account management experience.

Is the best path to customer success manager roles to start in sales, learn the ropes for a while, and then try to pivot? are most CSMs coming from sales these days??

🍀 2025

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jefe

Arsonist

🍁

Everyone I know that is a CSM started out as an AE and/or AM.

Account Management is the most relevant, not sure how you'd break into it otherwise. SDR is basically the entry to all types of tech sales, and then people branch out from there. At least from what I've seen.

Signed,
Someone who started out before SDR was a thing.

CuriousFox

WR Officer

🦊

I was never a SDR/BDR either bb 🎡

jefe

Arsonist

🍁

We too old

dualaces123

Opinionated

Account Executive

I don't think SDR/BDR roles are particularly relevant but they are often the easiest way to get your foot in the door. But, I think my question for you is if you're willing to be an SDR, why you wouldn't use that as a springboard into AE rather than AM/CSM? CSM jobs are easier and have less burnout, but they make considerably less.
Either way, yes that's probably the best way to get your foot in the door and then pivot to account management.

F5onrepeat

Politicker

Sales minion

Lots of companies these days rely on CSMs for renewals/upsell/cross-sell opportunities. Because of this approach, having selling experience can be seen as necessary. Often times, getting into a selling role starts with being a BDR/SDR.
Think about the long game and who knows, maybe you'll like the frontline sales role!