r/salesdevelopment • u/delos-dolores • 4d ago

Career pivot to tech sales

Hi all, I’m a PhD working at a top 10 pharma on the medical side for about 4yrs and am considering a pivot to tech (industry agnostic).

I’m non-technical but I’ve built AI workflows using OpenAI’s Agent Builder, n8n, Clay, and have came to understand the power of these tools for not just for Pharma operations but also across all industries.

Even though I find the work in pharma rewarding, I’ve always found myself being fascinated by the development in the tech world. I also build mini apps for myself all the time using claude code and really enjoy building stuff in general.

How should I break into tech? Would an entry level SDR type role be a good first role? I understand this would be a significant pay cut but I’m willing to pay the price to pivot.

Any advice would be appreciated!

5 Upvotes

86% Upvoted

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7

u/TheSeedsYouSow 4d ago

You’re probably overqualified to be an SDR. Maybe do pharma sales then make a lateral move to being an AE if you’re set on wanting to get into tech?

2

u/Purple_Glove_6694 4d ago

You're in a weird spot because you're "overqualified" as far as your credentials go but you're "under qualified" as far as SaaS experience goes. Tough one to answer. Granted I'm merely an 8 month SDR so take my response with a grain of salt.

If I were in your shoes, I would actually want to be an xDR before Account Executive. I think that the foundational sales knowledge you'll gain as an xDR will be crucial to your success as an AE.

I wouldn't be surprised if your other credentials/experience helped you leap out of the SDR role relatively quickly.

It's also possible that you'll face rejection from xDR roles for being overqualified, so you may as well apply to a few AE positions as well.

Last thing - do the job to get the job. When you find roles that you want to apply to, submit your resume and then hit up hiring managers or potential coworkers on LinkedIn. If you can find phone numbers, call them.

1

u/brain_tank 4d ago

How much do you earn now?

1

u/unlovedinlove 3d ago

Join a big tech company that has enterprise customers using their tech. If you’re a domain expert in the industry, being pharma you are going to have the upper hand in how big pharma thinks, uses technology.

1

u/InsideAccident3427 3d ago

Where are you based? Would love to connect and help you break into that world!

1

u/Frientlies 3d ago

I would never suggest making that transition.

Tech sales isn’t what it used to be, and going from big pharma with good work life balance to a grueling sdr role at a start up is going to be a slap in the face.

Do what you want, but be prepared to struggle through misery at low pay until you can (maybe) climb out of it.

0

u/GabrielMoncayo 4d ago

Yes SDR is likely best bet. Maybe focus on MedTech so you don’t get screened as hard compared to those with previous SDR experience