Are you looking for your next career? Well, as a member of the armed forces community, tech sales might be your next successful gig.
Why Tech Sales Needs Veterans
The UK armed forces instil skills that tech companies desperately need. Whether you were handling complex equipment as part of the armed forces military or managing teams as a British officer, your experience translates perfectly to the tech sector. Let’s dig into the different roles.
Breaking Down the Roles
Pre-sales Technical Consultant
Salary Range: £50k+ (entry-level)
This role closely mirrors the technical expertise you developed during your military service. As a Pre-sales Technical Consultant, you will:
- Analyze technical challenges
- Propose strategic solutions
- Provide trusted expertise to customers
Perfect for: Former technical specialists and those who enjoy solving complex problems. Your experience in handling technical systems and troubleshooting in high-pressure situations makes you a strong candidate for this role.
Sales Development Representative (SDR) / Business Development Representative (BDR)
Salary Range: £40k-£50k (entry-level)
Much like intelligence gathering in the armed forces, SDRs identify and qualify potential opportunities. In this role, you'll be:
- Conducting targeted outreach
- Qualifying prospects
- Supporting the wider sales mission
Perfect for: Individuals who excelled in military enrollment and recruitment. Your skills in assessing potential recruits and building rapport are directly applicable to engaging prospects and nurturing leads.
Account Executive
Salary Range: £50k-£150k OTE (On Target Earnings)
Similar to a military officer leading crucial operations, Account Executives:
- Close strategic deals
- Navigate complex negotiations
- Deliver mission-critical presentations
Perfect for: Former officers or those seeking top-paying post-military jobs. Your leadership experience and strategic mindset prepare you to effectively manage client relationships and drive sales success in this competitive role.
Customer Success Manager (CSM)
Salary Range: £40k+ (entry-level)
Just as maintaining armed forces strength relies on training and support, CSMs:
- Build long-term relationships
- Ensure client success
- Drive product adoption and satisfaction
Perfect for: Those who excelled in training or support roles. Your experience in mentoring and supporting team members can help foster strong client relationships and drive satisfaction in this customer-focused position.
Why Veterans Excel in Tech Sales
Veterans bring invaluable advantages to the tech sales industry, including:
- Mission Focus: Much like planning military operations, tech sales demands strategic thinking and a results-driven mindset. Veterans are adept at defining clear objectives and executing plans to achieve them.
- Adaptability: The fast-paced tech sector requires quick thinking and flexibility, skills that veterans have honed in dynamic military environments where circumstances can change rapidly.
- Leadership: Whether serving as a junior officer or a non-commissioned officer (NCO), veterans possess strong leadership skills that are essential for guiding teams, managing client relationships, and driving success.
- Integrity: Trust is paramount in both the armed services and tech sales. Veterans understand the importance of building and maintaining trust with clients and colleagues, ensuring long-term success in their roles.
Career Progression
In contrast to the rigid hierarchy often found in military roles, tech sales offers dynamic and flexible career paths. You can begin your journey as a Sales Development Representative (SDR) and advance to positions such as:
- Enterprise Account Executive
- Sales Team Leader
- Regional Sales Director
- Head of Sales
This industry encourages growth and rewards ambition, allowing you to tailor your career trajectory based on your skills and interests.
The Bottom Line
Just as the British forces adapt to new challenges, you're well-equipped to thrive in tech sales. Your military experience isn't just relevant – it's highly valuable.
Ready to deploy your skills in a new mission? The tech sales sector needs veterans who understand discipline, strategy, and execution. Companies are actively seeking candidates with your background in the armed forces community.
Remember: Your military experience has given you a unique edge. Tech sales isn't just about selling – it's about understanding problems, deploying solutions, and supporting success missions.
If you want to see which one of these roles your skills and goals align with, then give the AI-driven Career Recommendation Report a go. It’s quick, easy, and will map your journey into the role for you. Try it by clicking here.
