Entry-level Paths for Aspiring Senior Account Executives
The most common entry-level technology sales role is a Business Development Representative, focusing on "prospecting" and generating leads. However, a client-facing role with revenue implications, even from seemingly unrelated fields like insurance or recruitment, can serve as a viable entry point, as demonstrated by the interviewee's own career trajectory.
Business Development, Sales, Technology Sales, Client Facing Roles, Revenue Generating Roles
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Herman Lu
Senior Account Executive
Mid-sized Technology Company
UCLA
N/A
Economics
Technology
Sales and Client Management
Greek Life Member
Video Highlights
1. Many entry-level technology sales positions begin as a Business Development Representative (BDR).
2. BDRs focus on prospecting and generating leads, which are then passed to Account Executives.
3. Client-facing roles with revenue-touching experience, even from different industries, can serve as a pathway to an Account Executive position. A strong ability to connect one's background to the solutions being sold is highly valuable
Transcript
What entry-level positions are there in this field that an undergraduate college student might consider?
Typically, in technology sales, the most common entry-level path is as a Business Development Representative. This role involves prospecting, managing the top of the funnel, and engaging potential clients early in the sales process. The goal is to generate interest in the company and then pass those leads to account executives for closing.
While this is the most common route, it's not the only one. Ideally, any client-facing role that is revenue-generating can lead to this position. For example, individuals from the insurance or recruitment industries have successfully transitioned.
If you can effectively market your background and connect it to the solutions you would be selling, you can create an opportunity. However, for an entry-level position, a client-facing role is generally preferred.
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