I'm seriously considering a career shift into tech sales, specifically aiming for a role as an Account Executive (AE) in SaaS in the future. Since I have no prior tech experience, I'm curious about the typical pathway into this field. Is it common to start in a Sales Development Representative (SDR) position to gain ground? Also, what's the usual route to moving up to an AE role?
My background includes about 1.5 years of sales experience as a gym manager, where I was responsible for selling memberships and training packages, typically ranging from $700 to $5k per year. I handled the full sales cycle, from calling leads to closing deals, and have consistently exceeded my sales targets.
I've also updated my resume to highlight my sales skills.
So, how do I break into tech sales? Do I need any certifications, or will my current experience count for anything? I've had some sales training through coaching programs, but I'm not sure how relevant that is to tech sales.
5 Answers
Yes, most people begin as SDRs in tech sales, but your gym experience sets you apart. Target roles at SMB SaaS companies and make your achievements shine. Network with hiring managers and highlight your strong track record.
Starting as an SDR seems likely, but given your solid sales background, some startups might promote you to AE faster. Focus on networking and showcasing your metrics.
Breaking into tech sales often starts with an SDR role, especially if you lack a technical background. However, your experience running a full sales cycle at a gym is a huge advantage that many candidates don't have.
You're already doing work that's relevant to tech sales; just reframe your experience in terms that fit SaaS. Emphasize your full-cycle role and KPIs on your resume. Don’t worry about random certifications—focus on learning basic SaaS terms and targeting smaller companies that value your experience.
You might need to start as an SDR to find your footing in tech sales. Your gym experience translates well, but tech firms often want proof you can handle complex sales processes. Highlight your full-funnel experience to speed up your promotion.
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