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Yes, usually they are called pre-sales tech, or solutions architect, integration consultant etc. Solution architect can also be an inside role too so you have

Yes, usually they are called pre-sales tech, or solutions architect, integration consultant etc. Solution architect can also be an inside role too so you have to check how that JD is written. Usually what you want to do is get in to one of the pre-sales teams so you are part of the sales process but can still stay technical. This will let you see the sales process and start developing new skills. This is usually focused on the enterprise market where the pricing justifies a more expensive sales process. You can also do this at a startup but it won't teach you sales typically. Startups are learning how to sell themselves usually, so they don't have a mature sales process or people so if you are wanting to develop those skills go to one of the big consulting firms, or CRM companies etc.

gundmc 7y ago
This is how my previous company was structured. The technical presales team were also called Application Engineers. They would essentially do quick and dirty implementations and proof of concepts of custom modifications to convince the customer we could meet their needs. I always envied them for not having to spend the time to "productionize" their work.
leafinthewind 7y ago
True though a lot of those roles would be a large demotion for me
- davismwfl 7y ago
  If you are looking to learn new skills usually the fastest and most successful way is to make yourself somewhat uncomfortable which helps motivate you (e.g. take a less senior role, or less money at first). If you want to learn enterprise sales you need to dedicate real time to that process, it can be a super intense and sometimes frustrating process which requires time in the seat, so generally people have to immerse themselves into the process to really learn it. There are other ways to get some basic sales skills, but you asked what roles would help you develop the skills and still write code, these are the best roles for it that I know of which fit your basic criteria. I am curious why you feel it is a demotion? Money, title, prestige or ? Not judging, honestly curious.
  - leafinthewind 7y ago
    Mostly money - don’t really care about title or prestige
    - muzani 7y ago
      A lot of sales engineer jobs pay well... but often in sectors like electrical engineering or medical. It's because the skillset is rare; hospitals aren't going to buy some medical equipment from some sweet talker in a suit. They prefer a nerd who understands exactly what they're selling and what the advantages and disadvantages are, maybe even explain training needed. I had one oscilloscope sales job offer, where the boss insists that the hardest part is understanding the tech, and the sales part is easy to train. Many sales roles give commissions, which can come up to a hell lot. Software probably doesn't involve the dirty details anymore, but I imagine things like selling a database, AWS-type service, military technology, machine learning, and so on.
- DrNuke 7y ago
  Demotion from what? Sales is the main goal of any commercial venture and effective salespersons could become filthy rich. You can try small sales like the ones usually associated with the roles above but also big sales if you have a network and can sell bulks to big b2b firms or win contracts.

gundmc 7y ago

This is how my previous company was structured. The technical presales team were also called Application Engineers. They would essentially do quick and dirty implementations and proof of concepts of custom modifications to convince the customer we could meet their needs. I always envied them for not having to spend the time to "productionize" their work.

leafinthewind 7y ago

True though a lot of those roles would be a large demotion for me

davismwfl 7y ago
If you are looking to learn new skills usually the fastest and most successful way is to make yourself somewhat uncomfortable which helps motivate you (e.g. take a less senior role, or less money at first). If you want to learn enterprise sales you need to dedicate real time to that process, it can be a super intense and sometimes frustrating process which requires time in the seat, so generally people have to immerse themselves into the process to really learn it. There are other ways to get some basic sales skills, but you asked what roles would help you develop the skills and still write code, these are the best roles for it that I know of which fit your basic criteria. I am curious why you feel it is a demotion? Money, title, prestige or ? Not judging, honestly curious.
- leafinthewind 7y ago
  Mostly money - don’t really care about title or prestige
  - muzani 7y ago
    A lot of sales engineer jobs pay well... but often in sectors like electrical engineering or medical. It's because the skillset is rare; hospitals aren't going to buy some medical equipment from some sweet talker in a suit. They prefer a nerd who understands exactly what they're selling and what the advantages and disadvantages are, maybe even explain training needed. I had one oscilloscope sales job offer, where the boss insists that the hardest part is understanding the tech, and the sales part is easy to train. Many sales roles give commissions, which can come up to a hell lot. Software probably doesn't involve the dirty details anymore, but I imagine things like selling a database, AWS-type service, military technology, machine learning, and so on.
DrNuke 7y ago
Demotion from what? Sales is the main goal of any commercial venture and effective salespersons could become filthy rich. You can try small sales like the ones usually associated with the roles above but also big sales if you have a network and can sell bulks to big b2b firms or win contracts.