Tell us a bit about yourself and what you’re up to now
I come from a business background, having studied business for an Extended Level 3 Diploma as well as studying Business and Management whilst at university. Business has always been a passion of mine, from watching the likes of Dragons Den and The Apprentice as a child. I have always wanted to be in the corporate world and one day be my own boss. After graduating, I took my first role as a BDR for a Sustainable Procurement SaaS company but after 9 months of being there, I was offered a new opportunity at an AI company, specialising in HR, where I am also a SDR and have been for 9 months.
What was your journey into a career in Tech Sales?
Prior to working full-time in tech sales, I began working in part-time retail roles alongside my studies at the age of sixteen. Tech sales wasn’t something that was pushed throughout my studies, but my mum has worked in tech for over ten years in customer facing roles (Customer Success), which opened my eyes to the avenue.
What would you say are the best things about working in tech sales?
Working in tech sales is great for business and corporate knowledge. Being in this industry enables you to keep track of market developments and changes, as the accounts we typically prospect and research are part of the FTSE 500. As a BDR/ SDR, the earning opportunities are almost limitless, with great base salaries and even more opportunities for commission earnings. For progression and career development, there are several routes to becoming Account Execs, but in the company I am at now, there are even higher levels of cross-departmental moves to explore roles in other departments. In the future, I would like to move into a role that sits within Marketing and Events as I have had an insight into the role and feel it would be a great match for my soft skills; being an SDR has helped me to understand the importance of owning and participating in corporate events.
What advice would you give to someone who is just about to start their career in sales?
Take your time to learn more about the market you operate in, your competitors, and your differentiators. This will enable you to craft the best pitches and prepare for any tough questions that may be thrown at you. It is also very important to remain inquisitive and not take ‘no’ for an answer. Be a confident question asker!
Why did you decide to join Tangent as a Mentor and why should others join as Mentors too?
I’d like to be a mentor at Tangent as I feel it will help to build my skills as well as give higher visibility to the career opportunities in tech; being a part of the BAME community massively contributes to this also as there is a massive lack of diverse representation in the corporate world, which together as a team, we should be able to tackle.
Having only had my mum for guidance in the tech world, I think determined people who have managed to navigate the corporate world should join Tangent, as we have a lot of knowledge and experiences that could help encourage and motivate others to join.
Ready to make a difference?
Tangent connects you with aspiring Business Development Reps from socially diverse backgrounds for short-term mentoring and an employee referral.
Sign up to be a Tangent Mentor today 👇
