Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring SDRs And BDRs
Salesforce Sales Onboarding Trainer-Manager Ryan recommends that undergraduate students interested in technology and software sales consider entry-level positions as Sales Development Representatives (SDRs) or Business Development Representatives (BDRs), stating that these roles are "where you'll learn a lot of the basics." Ryan's own career trajectory, progressing from a successful seller to a trainer, highlights the value of this foundational experience.
Sales Development Representative (SDR), Business Development Representative (BDR), Technology Sales, Software Sales, Entry-Level Sales Positions
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Ryan Avolese
Sales Onboarding Trainer - Manager
Salesforce
University of Colorado
n/a
Business Management & Admin
Technology
Sales and Client Management
Greek Life Member
Video Highlights
1. Entry-level sales positions in technology/software sales include Sales Development Representative (SDR) and Business Development Representative (BDR) roles.
2. These roles provide foundational sales experience and skills, crucial for career advancement into roles such as Sales Onboarding Trainer - Manager.
3. Hands-on experience as an SDR or BDR is highly valuable and often a prerequisite for management or training positions within sales.
Transcript
What entry-level positions are there in this field that an undergraduate college student might consider?
The main entry-level sales positions in technology and software sales are Sales Development Representative (SDR) and Business Development Representative (BDR). These are often shortened to SDR and BDR, respectively.
I would recommend starting in one of these roles. While I've moved into a training position, I wouldn't be able to do this without prior experience as a seller. My sales background allows me to train other sellers.
The success I had in that role gives me the confidence to train new sales representatives. So, for someone fresh out of college interested in technology and software sales, I recommend focusing on getting an SDR or BDR role.
This is where you'll learn many of the basics and get a lot of practice. I believe it's a valuable job that everyone could benefit from.