The journey to find Ada is not just an exciting one for our clients, but also for our own employees. Earlier this month, Ada hosted Pipeline’s inaugural speaker panel focused on empowering sales professionals with tools and support to succeed within the technology industry. Like us, Pipeline is committed to inspiring the humans in front of the technology. And Michael Steckley, an Account Executive at Ada is one such person.

Michael sat on the Pipeline panel which also featured sales professionals from companies including Infor, Vend and OneLocal. Every panelist discussed how they had successfully transitioned into technology sales from a diverse range of industry backgrounds including retail and hospitality, and shared advice for how to pivot career paths.

Michael chronicled his journey from retail sales to Ada. Since not everyone was able to grab a beanbag and hear Michael’s advice first-hand, we’ve wrapped up his insights here:

Identify your personal objectives

Once I decided the retail space wasn’t for me, finding a new industry felt like a daunting task to embark on. What led me to the tech sector, and ultimately Ada, was a simple exercise that broke down what I wanted in a role, and what I didn’t. By doing this, I was able to identify three must-haves for my future employer: 1. A company and industry with high growth potential 2. A role that had a tangible impact on the company 3. A role/company/product that helps make peoples’ lives better.

Network

Just as we do at Ada, many companies and professionals are open to sharing their experiences and advice. That’s why it’s important to take part in informational meetings. Prepare questions in advance and focus on understanding the values, cultures, and learning opportunities at each potential employer. For me, over the course of my informational interviews a common suggestion emerged: consider a career within the technology sector. More specifically, find a startup that is growing rapidly.

Practice patience

As intuitive as it may sound, searching for a new career path can take time. Stick with it despite the inevitable difficulties and frustrations that come with looking for a new role. The more interviews I had, the better the understanding I developed of my own objectives and path. Eventually I had a meeting with a friend of my brother-in law who was working with Ada, an "exciting high growth start-up" with open sales positions that aligned perfectly with my personal and professional goals.

Believe in the brand you chose

As a sales person, I believe it's integral to care about the brand and the product you sell. It allows you to bring your own passion and creativity to the role. In fact, that’s how I found myself at Ada. I was drawn to Ada for the innovation its bringing to an archaic industry that impacts millions of people around the world. As an individual without a technical background, I was inspired by how Ada is making AI accessible, and knew I had to be a part of it.

Are you looking to put Michael’s advice to good use? We’re currently hiring for a Business Development Representative position on our sales team. Or learn more about how Michael’s expertise can support your customer service team by scheduling a demo with him.