Sales Engineer vs Tech Sales Roles | What's the Difference?

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[@techpodssocial]

I love this video. Very accurate depiction for from the compensation perspective. Would be nice to see a video on partner sales roles!

[@pdpgkeeper]

If you’re an AE benefitting from your SE’s partnership and making accelerators after 100% quota, please praise their good work to the leadership and consider getting them a nice gift :)

[@techsales-higherlevels]

100%, a good SE makes all the difference with high risk, high reward deals!

[@mccloskey_0119]

Eric thank you so much for the content you put out man. I’ve been binge watching all of your videos and can’t wait to land my first BDR/ SDR role!

[@techsales-higherlevels]

Thanks! Glad it's helping

[@linhenri]

When breaking down information it’s helpful to use terminology that non sales individuals aren’t familiar with. I checked out before 5 mins.

[@techsales-higherlevels]

Nice! Thanks for the support! Feel free to Google the things you don't know and let me know if you have any questions

[@chadchad6531]

Great video Eric! I'm a second semester student in Denmark, and I study mechatronics. Now that I know that a sales engineer is a thing, I feel so relieved that I don't have to do 8 hours of pure coding in a 9-5, I can also combine engineering and communication skills and feel alive. Not to mention the competitive edge the combination of these gives, as 99% of my classmates lack communication skills (and I'd say the desire to improve them too).

[@techsales-higherlevels]

Great to hear and thanks for watching!

[@ray-gp3bz]

Me too i study mechatronics in Germany and i think That Sales engineer might be the right Job for me i am so also so reliefed. I wish you the best in the Future my friend ❤️💪

[@techsales-higherlevels]

@@ray-gp3bz thanks for watching and good luck to you! Let me know if you have any questions in the future!

[@patriciaalexis7696]

Thank you for your insights!

[@techsales-higherlevels]

Thanks for watching!

[@OtisTheRealtor]

Very helpful. Explained very well

[@Izzy-gd2zx]

This guy def in sales talks at a rapid speed that would be hard to keep up with if I wasn’t the same 😂😂

[@techsales-higherlevels]

🚄

[@MaxSabbath666]

i love what you said about job security as a sales engineer flowing from your own skillset. i watched your video because im at a crossroads, trying to make a big decision in life. im a BSMET student with 15 years of restaurant server/bartender experience. my grades are great and ive landed a co-op with a great engineering/manufacturing company. the company is renown for its job security, but also for a somewhat lackluster compensation package. i feel like my customer facing experience along with the BSMET degree could put me in a rather unique category. unfortunately im not sure this combination is very valued at the company i have the co-op with. so my big decision is should i pursue a minor in sales while im in school and try to get a sales engineer job, striking out on my own, or do i stay with a somewhat low-paying company that has lots of security. im still thinking it over, but this data will help me make my decision. thank you

[@techsales-higherlevels]

Yep hard to say not knowing more about your situation but if you can study sales as a minor and it doesn't delay your studies or overcomplicate your life, then I say go for it. It doesn't mean you ultimately have to leave that opportunity for a sales engineering role but you'll benefit from the experience regardless

[@josephthecreator]

Eric, this was a very informative video. I currently possess a STEM degree (computer science) and in my current role I'm a software engineer/test automation engineer. However, I have 5 years of sales experience (2 years door to door, as well as car sales and inside sales/cold calling) and I MISS SALES. What would be the best path to get into a SE role and do you have a useful video or course I can take a look at? Thanks in advance!

[@techsales-higherlevels]

Thanks for reaching out Joseph. Do SE positions exist at your current company? That'd be my logical starting point is to network and ask them how you could be considered 6-12 months from now for the role. Unfortunately I don't have a ton of familiarity with the best course, I know there's a few out there. I did an extensive interview with someone about their SE experience - I am on the move and can't grab the link right now but it has ~2500 views and you should be able to find it by the thumbnail. He has great perspective on the role and his LinkedIn is in the description - he's a great contact to network with. Lastly keep networking at target companies. You have a strong background - ask an SE for 15 minutes of their time to see how you could make the transition over the next 6-12 months, etc.... Hope that helps! Lmk if you have any questions

[@WeTheSalesEngineers]

Thanks for sharing this info. I'm glad you were able to explain this simply. I do have a couple of notes: 1- Not all sales engineers need to write code. I'd say a majority don't (maybe a small majority) 2- Both jobs are stressful, but salepeople have to deal with more crap, both internal to the company (funnels, and politics) and externally (customers committing and then not following through) 3- Most of the SE's stress come from salespeople (no offense). 4- In order to get into sales engineering, you need 2 of 3 of the following: 1- Technology knowledge 2- Customer knowledge, 3- Industry knowledge. So a STEM degree helps, but having customer and industry knowledge can help someone break into the SE world. 5- Sales engineering can be a training ground for someone who wants to go into account management (aka the dark side).

[@frabriziovelazquez22]

Yessir to all of this! Love your content as well, great for those new to the industry or curious to pursue SE roles.

[@Christian-alexander]

Thank you for clarity with the two different roles. That was a great break down. Question for you: if a person started out as a sales engineer, would it make sense after a couple of years to switch to being an account executive? If not what would be the career path for a sales engineer?

[@techsales-higherlevels]

That's a great question. Some sales engineers do change to account Executive down the line and are very well suited to do so. They'll usually go at the enterprise level which means they're not doing a lot of Prospecting but need to learn how to drive a conversation from the business side. Other paths could include SE management, or even going back to a more technical role or in some cases Field CTO. Let me check with some of my buddies and get their perspective as well, I'm not sure I'm the best equipped to answer.

[@frabriziovelazquez22]

Many Sales Engineers do not know code and come from an "Engineering" background. I think this video could benefit from that perspective. Perhaps it use to be that way but that's what they have software engineersand other positions for. Also many sales engineering roles are not as technical as one may seem. Of course having that background plus interpersonal skills is a bonus. There is a level of understanding and being able to communicate but that is a part of the role. Explaining technical information in non technical terms. Personality also plays a large role in what you may be best suited for. It is not all about salary. Just wanted to give a different perspective, thanks for sharing the content!

[@techsales-higherlevels]

This can be true, though I tend to work at highly technical companies and coding experience is required. Again, agreeing that some companies you don't need code, but many often expect relevant industry experience before letting anyone jump in as an SE. That's not the case with the SDR role

[@alfordelliott6943]

​@@techsales-higherlevelsfrom what I heard and you may know this but careerist has a sales engineer boot camp that runs 8 to 12 weeks

[@BigstickNick]

Great video

[@Esmith6112007]

This was awesome Eric! I just finished CourseCareers, which is geared toward breaking in as an SDR, but with my background I’m feeling like the SE path is for me. I’d love some insight!

[@techsales-higherlevels]

Thanks Ebony! Pending your background SDR might be a great entry point and as you learn more about the role communicate your desire to become an SE long term. Highly recommend an interview I had recently with Devon, an SE who went from SDR to SE: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYDWZJada8l3kMk We've talked about making some follow up videos so that could be a great topic for us of how to go from SDR to SE (he knows more about it than me). Have you started applying to jobs? What's your background?

[@vontemarquise4218]

Same. Currently taking taking Course Careers. Leaning towards SE.

[@rememberrooga9509]

Same and I’m finished now but I feel like whyyyyyy why did I do that like now I don’t even want to be a sdr anymore when I heard about SE and now trying to figure out how to become one I don’t even just wanna get in the door with Sdr I want entry SE

[@sherkiaprather9273]

If you take the coursecareers do they teach you sales engineer I only see tech sales

[@huggy68]

Excellent video, for me personally I'd do sales engineering because higher base salary.

[@techsales-higherlevels]

Thanks for watching!

[@starsflirt]

Great information!!!

[@techsales-higherlevels]

Thanks for watching!

[@mcmoodoo]

Great breakdown , Eric! Quick question: I am a software engineer with 7 years of combined experience and a technical writer for 6 months. How would you assess the possibility of me transitioning into sales engineer without any sales experience or certifications. I do have great communication skills though? What about sales development rep? Thanks. +1 subscriber and plenty of likes!

[@techsales-higherlevels]

Thanks Rashid! Is there an opportunity to move into an SE position at your current company? I would strongly recommend networking within your own company and ask them what it would take to get an SE role in the next 12 months. Pending the company they may have a few different paths they'd want you to take. Potentially SDR, but perhaps even a Customer Success or customer facing support role. Does your company provide any of those options?

[@mcmoodoo]

@@techsales-higherlevels they don't have sales engineers. I checked. But they do have extensive customer success. Do you think that's a good option? Because to me customer success is not really on the front lines but more on the post sales or maybe I'm wrong here? As far as sdr, they have inside sales for America where all the roles are called "Sales, Business Development rep" which is confusing, because the entire department is under the Chief Revenue Officer. So I presume these are in fact considered sales dev rep So, I am going to start reaching out to these folks to clarify. So do you think I am more suited for Sales engineer with my background?

[@techsales-higherlevels]

@@mcmoodoo it's hard to say just from a few messages here but I would think sales engineer given how much engineering experience you have. They may want you to be an SDR for 6-12 months to prep, but just have open conversations with them and preface that you'd like to be in a position to make the move 6-12 months from now so they don't think you're also looking at external jobs.

[@FindYourFree]

excellent video

[@techsales-higherlevels]

Thanks for watching!

[@yahwehkno]

What would be a good sales engineer bootcamp

[@nikitachirich7985]

I've been a sales engineer at a major telecom for 60k/yr that's literally the entire band of what they paid LOL I have also been a Sales Project Manager SPM and that topped out at about 70+K The most I have made was as a business account executive 85K , maybe I need to consider this tech sales thing.

[@techsales-higherlevels]

Let me know if you have any questions!

[@MelissaKimm]

Great video! I have my Project Manager certification and have been a consultant for a few years. I implemented software for companies and had to perform demonstrations/trainings for them. I also had to manage timelines and budgets. I don’t have an engineering background. There is a boot camp I found that will help me transition into a SE role after completing their program however after doing more research I notice the established SEs have a degree in tech/engineering. Do you have any suggestions on how I can pivot into this role without going back to college to obtain this degree?

[@techsales-higherlevels]

Solid background, and you are right that at highly technical companies, most SEs have a tech background/degree. Sales engineering can be a tricky one to break into but your experience sounds much more solid than most looking at it as a career. What software did you work with and what types of companies do you want to work for?

[@MelissaKimm]

@@techsales-higherlevels I implemented SAP and cloud based HRIS systems such as payroll, HR, and time management. At this point, I am open to working at any industry but this may change as I continue to do my research. However, I would prefer a lateral move. I forgot to mention I have my Scrum Master certification as well. I am leaning more towards Tech Sales and enrolling into a course to learn an IT cloud based system like Salesforce or something to have a more competitive edge. What are your thoughts? Do you know if there is a lot of travel involved with tech sales?

[@techsales-higherlevels]

@@MelissaKimm With your experience you might be able to land an account executive role, however, it also really depends what a lateral move means to you comp wise as entry level tech sales roles pay well, but have less guaranteed. With your experience you could potentially be an SE for a low to no code tool, so that could be a path with HR/payroll technology or something similar. I might encourage you to network with SEs in industry on LinkedIn to pick their brain and see what you could reasonably expect role wise. Based on those conversations I would then narrow in the focus on tech sales or SE. BDR/SDR roles and Inside Sales roles require very little travel.

[@MelissaKimm]

@@techsales-higherlevels thanks for the feedback! I did read SEs tend to travel quite a bit. Although I would love to travel, it’s not ideal for me due to family obligations.

[@techsales-higherlevels]

​@@MelissaKimm Got it, let me know if you have any other questions as you get into it. If you do decide to go the bootcamp route I'm the lead instructor at techsalesascension.com and run this with multiple other reps in the industry. There's a lot of options out there, do what's best for you and let me know if you have any questions.

[@emilhozan71]

I have a good decade or so in tech in varying roles. Breaking into a sales engineer role without sales quota experience is the biggest hindrance. I have the friends and connections. Many started on the tech side and internally moved into sales. I didn't take that route and missed out on such an opportunity in a previous role. The only other option for me is if a company is willing to overlook my lack of sales quota experience. There's no way I'd start my career from "scratch" again just to break into sales. I find it odd that sales experience is such a big requirement considering the amount of tech experience i carry.

[@techsales-higherlevels]

What specific experience do you have in tech?

[@emilhozan71]

@techsaleswitheric I currently work at AWS as a Systems Development Engineer, but also a Security Solutions Architect, and Security Analyst, to name a few. My main background has been in networking and cyber security.

[@TheNewAmericanDream]

Is it plausible to get a sales engineering job right out of college with a software engineering degree if i have about 8 years of sales experience before college, but no engineering experience?

[@techsales-higherlevels]

That's a great question. You'd have a better chance than most - to be honest my advice would be to message younger sales engineers at your target companies to see if you could connect for 15 minutes and better understand from them what the expectation and requirements are. My inclination is to say you'd have a decent chance but also you would want to ensure you could land at a good company, not just one that hires anyone for SE. Keep me posted if I can help with other questions

[@anthonyestabillo6312]

Do you need know how write/read code to be a sales engineer?

[@techsales-higherlevels]

In most cases yes

[@geejordanjr.4960]

Great video!

[@techsales-higherlevels]

Thanks Gee!

[@davidhall2783]

If my goal is to become an SE, what entry position should I be looking for? I have sales and business experience but no degree. I think I would be better suited for SE than direct sales

[@techsales-higherlevels]

I would probably start as an SDR to be honest and work to get technical certifications in parallel. Also communicate with your management once in the SDR role that long term you would like to work towards being an SE. It's difficult to land as an SE right out of the gate but if you get your foot in the door with a tech company even in sales you can work towards it over the course of a couple of years.

[@davidhall2783]

@@techsales-higherlevels thanks for the quick reply! I'm watching your interviews with Devon right now

[@cassius1609]

whats a good sales engineer bootcamp

[@user-yr6xc7gg8q]

Do you have a course

[@techsales-higherlevels]

I have a course specific to tech sales here: gujirecruiting.gumroad.com/l/sdrbootcamp Are you looking at tech sales or sales engineering?

[@2tuffjuan]

Dang Mabye I should have taken this tech sales class you got me worried

[@techsales-higherlevels]

Which class?

[@2tuffjuan]

@@techsales-higherlevels course careers- Tech Sales!

[@anthonyspencer6281]

I have 0 Engineering experience and no degrees or certifications but lots of Sales experience. I need an ABC 123 breakdown of how to get started

[@techsales-higherlevels]

Do you want to break into tech sales or sales engineering?

[@anthonyspencer6281]

@@techsales-higherlevels I've heard the pros and cons for each one and I'm still debating that. I guess the question is which one is easier to get into just to get into the tech field.

[@techsales-higherlevels]

@@anthonyspencer6281 the easiest route by far would be a tech sales role, SDR. Feel free to check out the channel as there is a lot of content on it, and if you're looking for a true breakdown with guided and live coaching it's why we created techsalesascension.com. let me know if I can help with anything

[@anthonyspencer6281]

@@techsales-higherlevels thanks for the clarification and info. Much appreciated!

[@godlee4779]

Thoughts on course careers?

[@techsales-higherlevels]

To be honest with you I used to be a fan of how they created opportunities for individuals that wanted a college alternative, however, in recent weeks its been frustrating to see their primary instructor has completely flipped their approach and is basically bragging about not having to work in tech sales anymore, actively dissing the career they are selling courses for: www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRcUrmsW/ They have gotten so big its seems they are more worried about selling the course as opposed to driving real results. I'm also starting to see tons of CourseCareers students posting about their success with an affiliate link trying to get referral bonuses and when you look at their LinkedIn they didn't even keep their job for 3 months and/or they haven't even completed the course yet or landed a job. Full disclosure, I am an affiliate for them so I don't mean to be a hypocrite, but my approach initially in becoming an affiliate was to promote them because they were providing a genuine college alternative and path for people who didn't have the ability or means to do so. Now it seems like they're getting away from truly serving their customers.

[@jb8770]

not sure if your just excited but i don't remember a thing with how fast your talking especially for a person who knows nothing about the two.

[@techsales-higherlevels]

Thanks!

[@jb8770]

Sorry if that came of as mean it was never my intention it is alot of info to digest is all im saying.

[@techsales-higherlevels]

@@jb8770 thanks!

[@user-du4pn3ph6z]

Do you always talk so fast with no emotion ? Tone is good

[@Beccatheimmortal]

genuinely still confused.

[@techsales-higherlevels]

What can I help clarify?

[@techsales-higherlevels]

▶Take our free tech sales course: app.higherlevels.com/c/tech-sales-mini-course ▶Break Into Tech Sales (Tech Sales Ascension): www.higherlevels.com/ascension ▶Become a top peforming SDR & Get Promoted to AE (SDR Accelerator): www.higherlevels.com/sdr-accelerator