Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Partnerships Managers
Rebecca, a Partnerships Manager, recommends entry-level sales development or business development representative roles as excellent starting points, stating that these roles provide "exposure to a lot of skills applicable to a variety of different sales roles," including foundational skills in communication and time management. These foundational skills then allow for a transition into roles such as account management, account executive, customer success, or even partnerships, as in Rebecca's own career path.
Sales Development, Business Development, Account Management, Communication Skills, Career Progression
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Rebecca Elguindi
Partnerships Manager
Paradigm Strategy
University of Arizona, 2015
n/a
Political Science, American Studies
Consulting & Related Professional Services, Technology
Sales and Client Management
Took Out Loans, Greek Life Member
Video Highlights
1. Start in a sales development or business development representative (SDR/BDR) role to gain foundational skills.
2. SDR/BDR roles offer exposure to skills applicable to various sales roles (account management, account executive, customer success, partnerships).
3. Essential skills developed include time management, organization, cold calling/outreach, and creative email crafting.
Transcript
What entry-level positions are there in this field that an undergraduate college student might consider?
Starting in a sales development or business development representative role is a really great place to start. That's where I personally began my sales career. I think you gain exposure to many skills that can be applicable to a variety of different sales roles.
From there, you develop a lot of time management and organization skills, which I believe are really important. You also get really comfortable doing cold calls and outreach, and you learn to be creative in how you craft emails, refining and working on your communication.
Many people who start in an SDR or BDR role can move into account management, an account executive role, customer success, or a partnerships role. It's a great starting point where you acquire foundational skills that can lead to a variety of different options.