What Entry-Level Positions Should I Target to Start a Career in Tech Sales?

Starting a career in tech sales can be a rewarding path, offering opportunities to learn, grow, and earn well in a fast-paced and dynamic industry. If you’re new to the field, targeting the right entry-level positions can set you up for long-term success. Here are the key roles to consider and why they’re great stepping stones into tech sales.

1. Sales Development Representative (SDR)

The SDR role is one of the most common entry points into tech sales. As an SDR, your main job is to identify potential customers and generate leads for the sales team.

Responsibilities:

• Prospecting and reaching out to potential clients.

• Qualifying leads through cold calls, emails, and social media.

• Scheduling meetings or demos for account executives.

Why It’s a Good Start:

• You’ll develop essential sales skills, such as communication, resilience, and lead generation.

• It’s a highly structured role with clear metrics, making it ideal for beginners.

2. Business Development Representative (BDR)

Similar to an SDR, the BDR role focuses on building a pipeline of potential customers, but often with a broader scope that may include outbound and inbound sales.

Responsibilities:

• Identifying business opportunities and partnerships.

• Conducting market research to understand target industries.

• Setting up introductions for senior sales staff.

Why It’s a Good Start:

• BDR roles often expose you to a variety of industries and customer needs.

• You’ll gain insights into the sales process and customer relationship building.

3. Inside Sales Representative (ISR)

As an ISR, you’ll typically work with inbound leads, guiding customers through the sales funnel from initial interest to purchase.

Responsibilities:

• Responding to inquiries from potential customers.

• Explaining product features and benefits.

• Closing smaller deals or passing larger deals to account executives.

Why It’s a Good Start:

• You’ll learn how to manage customer relationships and close deals.

• It provides hands-on experience with CRM tools and sales processes.

4. Account Coordinator

Account coordinators support account executives by managing administrative tasks and ensuring smooth communication between clients and the sales team.

Responsibilities:

• Assisting with customer onboarding and account management.

• Maintaining records in CRM systems.

• Providing support for sales campaigns.

Why It’s a Good Start:

• You’ll gain exposure to account management and customer retention strategies.

• It’s a great way to learn about client relationships without the pressure of closing deals.

5. Customer Success Associate

While technically not a sales role, customer success positions often overlap with sales by focusing on retaining customers and identifying upsell opportunities.

Responsibilities:

• Helping customers maximize the value of the product.

• Addressing customer issues and ensuring satisfaction.

• Identifying and passing upsell opportunities to the sales team.

Why It’s a Good Start:

• You’ll develop strong customer relationship skills.

• It’s a great entry point if you prefer a more consultative approach to sales.

6. Sales Enablement Coordinator

This role focuses on supporting the sales team by equipping them with tools, content, and training to close deals effectively.

Responsibilities:

• Organizing sales resources and tools.

• Coordinating training sessions for the sales team.

• Analyzing sales performance data.

Why It’s a Good Start:

• You’ll learn how sales teams operate and what makes them successful.

• It’s an excellent choice if you’re analytical and enjoy behind-the-scenes work.

7. Lead Generation Specialist

As a lead generation specialist, your main focus will be finding and qualifying potential customers for the sales team.

Responsibilities:

• Researching prospects and compiling lead lists.

• Engaging with potential clients through email and social media.

• Passing qualified leads to the sales team.

Why It’s a Good Start:

• You’ll hone your prospecting and research skills.

• It’s a role with clear, measurable goals, perfect for entry-level candidates.

Final Thoughts

Starting in tech sales doesn’t require a ton of experience, but choosing the right entry-level position is crucial. Roles like SDR, BDR, and ISR are specifically designed for newcomers and offer a great foundation for building your skills and advancing your career. Whether you’re drawn to prospecting, customer interaction, or sales support, there’s a position that matches your strengths and interests.

Take the time to research companies that invest in training and development, and don’t be afraid to start small—every step in tech sales is a step toward a rewarding and dynamic career.