Tell us a bit about yourself and what you’re up to now
Guten Tag, I’m Sandra (she/her)! I’m born and raised in Germany and have lived in London since 2016. I’m currently a BDR manager at Nintex, where I support a team of 3 reps. Outside of work I love to cook dishes from around the world, host board game nights, and attempt DIY home improvements.
What was your journey into a career in Tech Sales?
It was somewhat accidental—a recruiter contacted me on LinkedIn as I was finishing up my university studies. Reflecting on my interviews back then, three things stood out about me.
Firstly, curiosity & problem-solving.From my pre-university apprenticeship, I learned to understand customers' needs by asking questions to figure out which product would be most suitable.
Secondly, cold calling. My part-time job at a market research call centre demonstrated my ability to engage people in conversation and keep them on the phone for a full conversation.
Lastly, learning mindset. During the interview I was asked how I would prioritise accounts - I had no idea as I’d never been in that environment and there wasn’t much information online about the job itself at the time. So after trying to answer, I just asked the interviewer because i genuinely wanted to know what good looks like. It just so happened that the next interviewer asked the same questions and this time I was able to answer (P.S. I was honest and told them about the previous conversation too).
What would you say are the best things about working in Tech Sales?
Working in Tech Sales has taught me how to ask questions and stay curious. Whether that’s to identify business challenges, or to understand why a friend/family member is struggling.
It has allowed me to learn about different roles, industries, technologies - and it has made me talk in endless acronyms that i finally understand!
I was also fortunate enough to always have the space to find my niche, take on passion projects, give back to communities and ultimately figure out what my strengths are - it helped me become a manager and now help the next generation enter the world I fell into. It has also taught me that my career is a ever evolving journey, and while right now I enjoy being a manager, I’m also curious about related roles where I can develop other skills.
What advice would you give to someone who is just about to start their career in sales?
My advice would be to not be influenced by the cliche idea of what sales people are - sales isn’t Wolf of Wall Street. It isn’t “sell me this pen”. Sales is about listening. So in your interviews show that you listen, ask clarifying questions, show that you’ve done your research and ask questions that help you make a decision whether this job is the right one for you.
Why did you decide to join Tangent as a Mentor and why should others join as Mentors too?
I’ve joined Tangent because I believe in the mission.
I feel there’s been a shift in recent years in hiring mindsets and the new mantra of hiring for potential is emerging more and more, and I believe Tangent helps find that potential. As mentors who’ve already made the jump into Tech, we can then take the next step in helping find these candidates opportunities to fulfil their potential.
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 👇
