Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Sales Development Representatives at Top Startups
The primary entry-level position in software sales for undergraduate students is a Sales Development Representative (SDR), "the tip of the go to market spear," where one learns fundamental business operations and develops crucial interpersonal skills applicable across various career paths, from sales and revenue operations to marketing and data analysis. This role provides a strong foundation for future career success by teaching how to "figure out problems with people."
Sales Development Representative (SDR), Business Operations, Sales Strategy, Problem-Solving, Communication Skills
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Iain Rodoni
Head of Global SDR
Linkedin Top StartUp
UCSB
N/A
Biology & Related Sciences
Technology
Sales and Client Management
Worked 20+ Hours in School
Video Highlights
1. The primary entry-level position in software sales is a Sales Development Representative (SDR).
2. SDRs are crucial for making initial contact with potential clients and are the "tip of the go-to-market spear."
3. The SDR role provides foundational skills applicable to various business careers, including sales, revenue operations, marketing, partnerships, and data analysis, emphasizing problem-solving with people.
Transcript
What entry-level positions in this field might an undergraduate college student consider?
In the world of software sales, the only real entry-level job is sales development representative. For SDR, there are many different acronyms, like XDR, BDR, MDR, ADR. It doesn't really matter.
This is the person who breaks down doors. They interact with the first person at an organization your company may be trying to sell to. They're the tip of the go-to-market spear.
They often make the first impression for your company to your buying group. It's the best place to learn how business operates. You learn how to sell, what tools or people are involved.
You also learn how to build fundamental skills needed for any business role to catapult your career. This includes the standard sales track, SDR to AE, or revenue operations and strategy. You might even go into marketing, partnerships, or data.
Regardless of your path, you'll learn how to figure out problems with people. That's what you learn in the SDR role.