Slice

Business Development Representative

Top Performer, planning for post-grad

First-time poster here. Currently working as a BDR for a tech startup (about 80 employees). I'm a top-performer at the company and they're offering me a position as an AE for post-grad (I finish my Bachelor of Business Admin in April 2023).

I really like the company and I believe in their value prop succeeding in the market, but I've been approached by a few MUCH larger companies (blue-chip level) with a 25% higher base + OTE offer, compared to the AE offer I got at my current company.

I'm only 21, is it worth taking the risk and a lower pay structure with the smaller startup in hopes of the company exploding, or should I jump into the super corporate position? Would appreciate all perspectives and opinions.

Cheers

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20 comments

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TennisandSales

Politicker

Head Of Sales

First off, congrats this is an awesome spot to be in!
Is the role with the big company an AE role? I’d not i would take the AE role if you can live off the base.

I’d never blame someone for taking more money but getting as much AE experience as possible will increase for income potential in the future MUCH more (in my opinion)

Slice

Valued Contributor

Business Development Representative

Thanks a ton!

The role with the big company is an outbound SDR, but it pays more than the AE role at the startup (at least at the beginning). Not sure what's more valuable, the higher pay or the AE stamp on my resume.

TennisandSales

Politicker

Head Of Sales

Yah so this is hard. Being an SDR at a big company will open doors…..to be an AE. Which is what you have a chance to do now. One year as an AE will give you more opportunities than one year as an SDR. Try to play the long game. But again, i can’t blame you for taking the more money now.

Sunbunny31

Politicker

Sr Sales Executive 🐰

I agree with what you've said here.

Congratulations, 3dgman. That's a great couple of choices you have.

Slice

Valued Contributor

Business Development Representative

Thanks a ton!

Gasty

Notable Contributor

War Room Community Manager

I'm an ex-BDR / BDR Manager. Go for the AE role in the same company. You won't regret it.

Also, congratulations to be in such a spot!
Also, welcome to the War Room ! @3dgman

Slice

Valued Contributor

Business Development Representative

Thank you!🙏🏼

Diablo

Politicker

Sr. AE

Have you been approached for an SDR role or AE?

Slice

Valued Contributor

Business Development Representative

The SDR role at the corporate company is paying more than the AE position at the startup, but there is much less room for growth in that position.

Diablo

Politicker

Sr. AE

If I were you, I would take the AE role as it’s very easy to transition to another AE in another company (career wise) unless money is very important and I cannot hold myself in the current company.

The_Sales_Badger

Notorious Answer

Account Executive

Taking a step back to SDR from AE at a company you’re happy at, and the top-performer is risky. There’s an opportunity here to stand out, and grow with your start-up. Big fish, small pond.

Or

You can role the dice and take a demotion for a company that you’re considering due to reputation - which is subjective.

Great place to be in, but you’ve earned your AE stripes, you have clout. Don’t accept anything less than what you’re getting now.

jefe

Arsonist

🍁

Great spot to be in, congrats both on your success at work and your impending graduation!

Go with AE.

Slice

Valued Contributor

Business Development Representative

Thanks for your advice🫡

Pachacuti

Politicker

They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy

I would go AE.

Kosta_Konfucius

Politicker

Sales Rep

I would lean towards AE, as long as the base is something you can live off of

saaskid

Contributor

Business Development Manager

Definitely take the AE role man, I was in that position made the mistake of taking the sdr role with higher pay and it just stunted my growth and within months I was back with my og company to get that ae role which has opened so many more doors for me

Slice

Valued Contributor

Business Development Representative

Thanks for the insight, think I’m going to. 🙏🏼

saaskid

Contributor

Business Development Manager

Hopefully it all works out for you brother

WhoDey

Opinionated

VP of Sales

I'd go with the AE rolefrom your current company, but I'd use the offer from the SDR role to negotiate a better offer from your current company.

VFG

Good Citizen

SDR

It ultimately depends on your personal goals, but generally speaking, starting your technical sales career with a small company is a VERY bad idea. Bear in mind, it is much easier to be an SDR than it is to be an AE. <br><br>Having a large company on your resume gives you brand recognition, validates your experience, and gives you a solid place to build your foundational sales skills. You’re also much more likely to hit your actual OTE. <br><br>People hate when I say this because most Reps work for SMB’s, but small companies are small for a reason. If they were good, they wouldn’t be small. Save the startup life for later in your career when you have a more established resume, developed skills, and a more secure financial situation.

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Slice

Top Performer, planning for post-grad

20 comments

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