Is a Technical Sales Engineer Career Time Demanding?
Introduction
A technical sales engineer career can be time-demanding, and several factors contribute to this. This article explores the challenges faced by technical sales engineers, along with the rewards and flexibility available in such a role.
Client Engagement
Technical sales engineers often spend significant time meeting with clients to understand their needs, explain products, and provide solutions. This can involve travel and after-hours meetings, especially when dealing with clients in different time zones. These engagements are crucial for building trust and ensuring that clients are satisfied with the products and solutions offered.
Product Knowledge
Staying up-to-date with the latest technologies and products is an ongoing process. This may require attending seminars, self-study, or taking part in training programs. Maintaining a strong understanding of the products enhances the sales engineer's ability to effectively address client queries and concerns.
Sales Cycle
The sales cycle in technical fields can be lengthy and complex, involving multiple stakeholders and decision-makers. Managing these relationships and processes can require persistent engagement over extended periods. Effective communication and relationship-building skills are essential for success in these roles.
Collaboration
Technical sales engineers often work closely with other teams such as engineering, marketing, and customer support. This collaboration can lead to additional meetings and coordination efforts. Effective teamwork and communication are key to ensuring that everyone is aligned and working towards the same goals.
Performance Pressure
Sales roles often come with performance targets, creating pressure to meet quotas and deadlines. This can lead to longer hours and increased stress. However, the flexibility in these roles often allows for a more balanced approach to work and personal life.
Real-life Experience
Based on personal experience from a software company career, the travel for a technical sales engineer can be demanding, but most trips are 1–3 days and involve 1–3 meetings. While you may spend time away from family and friends, it is not usually long stretches. A typical sales engineer (SE) supports 3–4 representatives, so your schedule often depends on how well they are doing. Supporting reps in different time zones can present an additional challenge, as sales calls may need to occur at all hours.
However, I found that there is often flexibility. For example, when my son was younger, I could take him to school in the morning and pick him up afterward. Everyone I worked with was more concerned about getting things done than being at their desk 9–5. If you are in an organization like this, run!
Conclusion
A technical sales engineer career can be rewarding and lucrative, but it can also be demanding in terms of time and effort. While the multifaceted nature of the role presents significant challenges, the flexibility and potential for success make it a compelling career option for those willing to put in the work.