Transitioning from BDR to AE - same company or new?

I am at the point in my career where I am ready for the next role.

My company has expressed that they want to move me to an AE role but there is not headcount. How long do you remain patient for spots to open verse looking elsewhere?

If you were ready to move to AE what would you do?

Attached poll

Wait for headcount Spread your wings and find a role elsewhere

*Voting in this poll no longer yields commission.

🎈 Mentorship

5 comments

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CuriousFox

WR Officer

🦊

Give yourself a time limit. If nothing happens then look elsewhere.

AK_47

WR Lieutenant

Sr. Director of Sales Development

Wait it out! I promise it's worth it. You're already an expert in prospecting, knowing the product, creating a personal brand. Get your experience as an AE at the same company then leave and go elsewhere if you want. A matter of months in the grand scheme of things isn't the end of the world.

thegreatestsalesperson

Tycoon

It very much depends on circumstances.
-Time at the company (how long does it typically take for people in the company to move from SDR-AE)
-Total time as an SDR
-Pay (you might be able to get an AE role but could pay less than what your company pays AE's, especially true in different segments of SMB vs Mid-market vs Enterprise)
-Are you happy with the current company product, people and process

SalesPharaoh

Big Shot

Senior Account Executive

if you can wait it out wait it out, the problem is if you have an existing offer elsewhere then there is the time question.

Balloons4baboons

Executive

Account Executive

I voted spread your wings but kind of regret that now. How long ago were you told to wait for a headcount? Did they give a timeframe as to when you will be made an AE? I think we've all worked at a company with an SDR/BDR who has been told they'll be an AE in 6 to 9 months and by a year and a half they're banking on empty promises at that point.

I'd see what the path has been like for other BDRs at your company and compare that to your own and see if it seems likely or not. If you can wait it out and they have a solid track record of moving solid BDRs into AE roles, I say wait.