top of page
Bianca, Sales Executive at Top 10 Technology Company: Advize Career Interview
A career in sales, unexpectedly discovered through an internship, led to a thriving career at top technology companies.
This sales executive's journey showcases building trust with partners through creative relationship-building, navigating the challenges of long sales cycles and frequent rejection with persistence and positivity, and enjoying the flexibility and rewards of a lucrative mid-market sales role.
Success, according to this professional, comes from a combination of hard work, self-motivation, and genuine connection with clients.
A multifaceted approach to undergraduate studies, emphasizing practical experience and building a strong network, is highlighted as key to career differentiation.
This path combines high earning potential with the satisfaction of helping businesses grow and is accessible through entry-level positions in inside or outside sales.
The importance of inclusive work environments and strong female leadership in shaping career satisfaction is also emphasized.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Bianca Reanna
Sales Executive
Top 10 Technology Company
University of Arizona 2019
N/A
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Finance, Marketing
Technology
Sales and Client Management
Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans, Transfer Student
Watch all of this Advizer's videos below
Career Path Of An Outside Sales Representative At ADP
Bianca's career path began unexpectedly with a sales associate internship at Business Talent Group, where "cold calling Fortune 500 Executives" revealed a hidden talent and passion for sales. This led to a challenging but ultimately rewarding role at ADP, where building trust with referral partners and consistent hard work resulted in strong sales performance and a fulfilling career trajectory.
Main Responsibilities of a Sales Executive at PrimePay
Bianca, a Sales Executive at Prime Pay, focuses on the small-to-mid-market space, selling "hundreds of products" that help employers manage employees from hire to retire, partnering with CPAs, bankers, and benefits brokers to become "an extension of their business." A key aspect of the role involves building trust and partnerships through creative relationship-building, including "taking partners to lunch and out to dinners," and using fun activities like Topgolf to generate leads.
A Day In The Life Of A Sales Executive At A Top Technology Company
A mid-market sales executive's day is "completely different" each day, blending remote work with in-person visits to partners—including "dropping off resources or treats"—to build relationships and stay top-of-mind in a competitive market. This involves proactive information sharing, virtual meetings, cold outreach, and continuous product knowledge updates to effectively advise clients and achieve sales goals.
Most Important Skills For A Sales Executive At Top 10 Technology Company
Success in a sales executive role at a top technology company demands "being comfortable with being uncomfortable," requiring consistent persistence and patience due to long sales cycles—an average of 12-17 touches—and the need to meticulously track numerous contacts and follow-up timelines. This career path rewards those who persevere through initial setbacks and maintain organized follow-up strategies.
Favorite Parts Of Being A Sales Executive At A Top Technology Company
Bianca, a Sales Executive, most enjoys the "wonderful people" she's met and the strong partnerships built, leading to less cold calling and more client referrals earned through dedication. This freedom extends to Bianca's work flexibility, as illustrated by "spending a month working from Hawaii," enabling them to "plan [their] week exactly the way [they] want to."
Biggest Challenges Faced By A Sales Executive At A Top 10 Technology Company
Bianca's biggest challenge as a Sales Executive is maintaining positivity amidst frequent rejection, a struggle mitigated by personal rewards and motivational strategies. Successfully navigating partner relationships requires persistence and discerning which connections yield fruitful collaborations, as illustrated by a situation where consistent effort earned a "massive deal" from an initially uncooperative partner.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The HR Technology Industry As A Sales Executive
Bianca, a Sales Executive in the HCM industry, enjoys the guaranteed market demand— "every business...is legally required to have payroll and other compliance services"— and the opportunity to "help employers grow their business," finding it rewarding to provide solutions that support business success, while also acknowledging the lucrative financial aspects of the mid-market sales space.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Tech Industry, According To A Sales Executive At A Top Tech Company
Bianca, a Sales Executive at a Top 10 Technology Company, identifies self-motivation, energy, and hard work as key traits for success in the sales industry, emphasizing the need to be "afraid to get out of their comfort zone" and maintain "consistency." This aligns with the demanding nature of sales, requiring individuals to be proactive and persistent in achieving sales goals.
What a Sales Executive at a Big Tech Company wishes they had known before entering the Technology industry
Bianca, a Sales Executive at a top technology company, advises aspiring sales professionals to prepare for a challenging first year, emphasizing that the reality of the job often differs from initial portrayals: "five to ten percent referrals and finding 90 to 95% of your business elsewhere." The long sales cycle and implementation timelines, potentially spanning years or months, demand consistent effort and resilience to succeed.
Entry-level Positions for Aspiring Sales Executives in Technology
Bianca, a Sales Executive, highlights "inside sales" and "outside sales" as entry-level options for undergraduates, noting that outside sales offers "good commission and freedom," while inside sales, though having "less aggressive commission," provides easier sales and remote work flexibility, with some colleagues enjoying locations like "Mexico or Colorado." The options showcase diverse paths within sales, reflecting Bianca's own experience in building partnerships in the field.
Significant Career Lesson From A Sales Executive At A Top 10 Technology Company
Bianca, a Sales Executive, learned that genuine connection and enjoyment are key to sales success; the approach of "just be yourself and try to have fun" resonates with clients, leading to increased sales because "people really tend to buy from people they like".
College Experiences That Helped a Sales Executive at Top 10 Tech Company Succeed
Bianca's approach to undergraduate studies prioritized practical experience, "building experience so that it could really differentiate" herself in the job market. This included a two-year remote internship, part-time work, extracurricular activities in marketing, sales, and Greek life, joining Toastmasters, and pursuing a finance minor – a multifaceted strategy that clearly aided career success.
How Identity Has Influenced a Sales Executive's Career at a Tech Company
Bianca's positive experience with female leadership at ADP and Prime Pay significantly influenced their career path, stating that "many women and Leadership" were a key reason for enjoying their roles. This contrasts with earlier internship experiences where there were "just a couple women in the office," highlighting the importance of inclusive work environments in shaping career satisfaction.
Advizer Personal Links
No
bottom of page