Shawn, Enterprise Account Executive at Cybersecurity Startup: Advize Career Interview

A career in cybersecurity, as detailed by an Enterprise Account Executive at a thriving startup, offers a dynamic path filled with continuous learning and substantial growth.

The journey began with internships at a healthcare startup and Geico, providing valuable exposure to diverse business functions. The Eller College of Management further enhanced this foundation.

The current role demands a full sales cycle, encompassing prospecting, stakeholder management, and client retention, requiring a blend of hard skills like software understanding and soft skills like relationship-building.

A typical day involves meticulous planning, prioritizing tasks to drive revenue. The greatest challenge lies in the startup's evolving structure, fostering adaptability and unique contributions.

The cybersecurity industry itself boasts a close-knit community, making the work engaging. Success hinges on proactive steps, including pursuing internships, tackling prerequisites diligently, and securing mentorship.

The interviewee's advice to undergraduates? Explore LinkedIn, directly contact professionals, and seize the many available roles—a field with significant career potential awaits.

Advizer Information

Name

Job Title

Company

Undergrad

Grad Programs

Shawn Sullivan

Enterprise Account Executive

Cybersecurity Startup

University of Arizona

N/A

Majors

Industries

Job Functions

Traits

Business Management & Admin

Technology

Sales and Client Management

Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans, Greek Life Member

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Career Path of an Enterprise Account Executive at a Cybersecurity Startup

Shawn's career began with internships at a healthcare startup, where they "got my first taste" of the business world doing marketing, and at Geico, exposing them to various business units. The University of Arizona's Eller College of Management provided valuable resources, including job fairs, leading to their first job after leveraging their structured internship experiences.

Career Path of an Enterprise Account Executive at a Cybersecurity Startup

Main Responsibilities of an Enterprise Account Executive at a Cybersecurity Startup

Shawn's role as an Enterprise Account Executive at a cybersecurity startup encompasses a "full cycle of sales methods," from initial prospecting to final deal closure, requiring management of both internal and external stakeholders. The position necessitates bringing in new clients while maintaining existing client satisfaction.

Main Responsibilities of an Enterprise Account Executive at a Cybersecurity Startup

A Day In The Life Of An Enterprise Account Executive At A Cybersecurity Startup

A typical day for Shawn, an Enterprise Account Executive, begins with planning, prioritizing "harder ones first" among tasks focused on "mov[ing] deals forward" and seeking new business. All daily activities, from coffee to detailed to-do lists, ultimately contribute to the overarching goal of revenue generation.

A Day In The Life Of An Enterprise Account Executive At A Cybersecurity Startup

Most Important Skills For An Enterprise Account Executive At A Cybersecurity Startup

Shawn, an Enterprise Account Executive at a cybersecurity startup, emphasizes the importance of both "hard skills," such as understanding software development and solutions architecture, and "soft skills" in their role. The ability to "build trust and building relationships" is key to success, as these soft skills are crucial for bringing in sales and are harder to acquire than technical skills.

Most Important Skills For An Enterprise Account Executive At A Cybersecurity Startup

Favorite Parts of Being an Enterprise Account Executive at a Cybersecurity Startup

Shawn's enjoyment of the Enterprise Account Executive role stems from "working with people that are good people, they're smart and they're kind of challenging the status quo," emphasizing the importance of positive and stimulating work relationships. This highlights a career philosophy prioritizing collaborative work environments over specific job tasks.

Favorite Parts of Being an Enterprise Account Executive at a Cybersecurity Startup

Biggest Challenges Faced by an Enterprise Account Executive at a Cybersecurity Startup

Shawn's biggest challenge as an Enterprise Account Executive at a cybersecurity startup is the lack of established processes, meaning "every day is a new day" requiring self-motivation and creating solutions where none exist. This constant adaptation, while frustrating at times, allows for unique contributions and professional growth unavailable in larger corporations.

Biggest Challenges Faced by an Enterprise Account Executive at a Cybersecurity Startup

Favorite Parts Of Working In The Cybersecurity As An Enterprise Account Executive

Shawn, an Enterprise Account Executive in the cybersecurity industry, finds the strong sense of community most rewarding. The industry, while large, feels "small" because everyone knows each other, creating a fun and engaging environment for career professionals.

Favorite Parts Of Working In The Cybersecurity As An Enterprise Account Executive

What Type Of Person Thrives In The Cybersecurity Industry, According To An Enterprise Account Executive At A Cybersecurity Startup

Shawn, an Enterprise Account Executive at a Cybersecurity Startup, believes that "the part of the fun is learning and failing" in a new industry like cybersecurity, and that no prior knowledge could have fully prepared them for the role. The experience of navigating this field, therefore, built the foundation for their success.

What Type Of Person Thrives In The Cybersecurity Industry, According To An Enterprise Account Executive At A Cybersecurity Startup

Entry-level Positions For Aspiring Enterprise Account Executives

Shawn, an Enterprise Account Executive at a cybersecurity startup, believes that the learning process within a new industry, including "learning and failing," is integral to career growth. Therefore, the experience gained in their role built "the platform and the structure for success," making prior advice unnecessary.

Entry-level Positions For Aspiring Enterprise Account Executives

Significant Career Lesson From an Enterprise Account Executive at a Cybersecurity Startup

Shawn, an Enterprise Account Executive at a cybersecurity startup, highlights the significant shortage of early-career professionals in the field, stating that "there are so many roles in this industry." The best approach for undergraduate students, according to Shawn, is to research roles on LinkedIn and directly contact individuals in desired departments to explore entry-level opportunities.

Significant Career Lesson From an Enterprise Account Executive at a Cybersecurity Startup

College Experiences That Helped an Enterprise Account Executive at a Cybersecurity Startup Succeed

Shawn, an Enterprise Account Executive at a cybersecurity startup, emphasizes the importance of finding a mentor, stating that "find someone that's seasoned in their career" is invaluable. This guidance, learned through personal experience and observation of other professionals, highlights the significance of seeking unbiased perspectives for career navigation.

College Experiences That Helped an Enterprise Account Executive at a Cybersecurity Startup Succeed

How Identity Has Influenced An Enterprise Account Executive's Career At A Cybersecurity Startup

Shawn's undergraduate success stemmed from diligently completing "the little things," such as internships and prerequisites, and pursuing further education relevant to a chosen career path. This proactive approach, as Shawn emphasizes, is crucial because "no one besides yourself is going to...get that job for you."

How Identity Has Influenced An Enterprise Account Executive's Career At A Cybersecurity Startup

Advizer Personal Links

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnsullivan2/