What a Sales Enablement Specialist at Viant Technology wishes they had known before entering the Technology industry
Natalie wishes someone had told them that Sales Enablement roles, like many modern careers, are often discovered unexpectedly, as they quipped, "seals what?". Embracing adaptability and "stacking skills" are more valuable than rigid planning, as the ideal job may not even exist yet, and "following your curiosity will take you further than trying to plan ahead".
Career Exploration, Adaptability, Skill Development, Non-Linear Career Paths, Technology Trends
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Natalie Paterson
Sales Enablement Specialist
Viant Technology
Chapman University
Chapman University | M.S. Food Science
Chemistry
Technology, Advertising, Communications & Marketing
Sales and Client Management
Scholarship Recipient, Transfer Student
Video Highlights
1. Careers are rarely linear; be open to unexpected roles and departments.
2. Taking action and following your curiosity is more valuable than having a perfect plan.
3. Adaptability and skill-stacking are crucial in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Transcript
What have you learned about this role that you wish someone had told you before you entered the industry?
This has to be my favorite question. I wish someone would have told me that you will end up working in a department and position you didn't even know existed. That's absolutely true.
When I first heard the term "sales enablement," I was confused. I had to Google it, and the definition was a bit unclear. That's the number one thing I wish someone would have told me.
Careers these days are not linear. They take many different twists and turns. The greatest clarity for you will come from taking action, not from trying to have it all figured out beforehand.
Speaking from experience, as someone very Type A who thought I needed the perfect plan, I've learned that in today's market, especially with how quickly technology is evolving, being adaptable is key. The job you will have one day probably doesn't exist yet.
The job I may have in the future probably doesn't exist yet either. Stacking skills will get you much further than trying to be fixated on a particular pathway.
The greatest ability is to know that following your curiosity will take you further than trying to plan ahead. Remember that the job you think you want may not be the one you actually end up in, and that's okay.