Is it possible to move from Amazon Operations to AWS sales?

New
KCKCKCKC

New

KCKCKCKC
Apr 11, 2021 25 Comments

Hello Blinders,

I'm a new Area Manager (manager of hourly associates) in Amazon Operations, and I had previous experience in sales at a telecommunications company. I loved talking to business owners and employees but the job wouldn't let me capitalize on that. I would love to get in AWS as I've worked with it when I got into web development for a bit.

Please let me know your thoughts!

#amazon #aws #awssales #operations #transitions

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 TOP 25 Comments
  • Go for it and don’t listen to any nay sayers on Blind. Although, you’ll probably have to take a lower level role to restart your careers like an SDR. However, if you really want it you’ll progress quickly. Also look beyond AWS. Good luck.
    Apr 11, 2021 4
    • New
      KCKCKCKC

      New

      KCKCKCKC
      OP
      What do you think is the cutoff sign to prove whether someone is cut out for it? Who do you think shouldn't pursue it?
      Apr 12, 2021
    • SDRs generate leads so the cut off is very simple to identify- you either hit your targets or you don’t. Sales is one of the very few corporate roles where your performance is simple to judge. You either hit your target or you don’t. That’s not for everyone, but motivates the hell out of the best of them. From I have seen, SDRs typically take 2 years to develop them move up or out.
      Apr 13, 2021
  • This guy doesn’t sound entitled at all and is asking great questions. But I agree with you- think about what you offer the hiring manager, that person doesn’t give a shit about a certification if you can hit your number.
    Apr 13, 2021 2
    • AT&T
      expiredput

      Go to company page AT&T

      expiredput
      You’re right. Not sure why Pipster got so heated.

      In regards to the cert though, it is a requirement of the job. Obviously it’s not remotely as important as being able to sell, but getting that ahead of time shows you’re putting in effort.
      Apr 13, 2021
    • New
      KCKCKCKC

      New

      KCKCKCKC
      OP
      Yeah that caught me off guard, maybe it's the way I wrote the post, I actually wouldn't mind at all being at the entry level of the CSP sales positions and would love to get in where I hopefully can build long lasting relationships with clients and colleagues alike. What I might've misunderstood is that I thought I was supposed to spend 8 years in operations to have a chance at getting in to AWS which actually doesn't seem like a great strategy to building trust with a team in the long term. I appreciate all the feedback it helps me craft a better story and ask better questions nonetheless.
      Apr 13, 2021
  • Amazon
    Sales Guru

    Go to company page Amazon

    Sales Guru
    Not possible to do it OP. Stay in FCs.
    Apr 20, 2021 4
    • New
      KCKCKCKC

      New

      KCKCKCKC
      OP
      Should've clarified it, I'm currently Level 4. But are you saying if I got promoted I can't go back down in levels if I'm moving to a new organization at Amazon? Do you know why that is or have any resources by any chance? I haven't heard of it before. Also I do realize retail sales aren't the same but it's all about how we build on it.
      Apr 20, 2021
    • Amazon
      Sales Guru

      Go to company page Amazon

      Sales Guru
      Oh L4 is fine. Go LDR route then.
      Apr 20, 2021
  • Amazon
    DiaH20

    Go to company page Amazon

    DiaH20
    I think the problem becomes if you are a L5 or L6 in operations and try to transfer. I have heard of individuals taking down leveling, but that is becoming rarer as amazon matures.

    Also, realize your limitations and sales experience. Big difference in retail sales and CSP (SaaS, IaaS, PaaS).

    I have seen several L5s make the change successfully, but it was through that track. Shifting to LDR, PDR, ISR for 2-4 years and then moving to AE or PDM.

    Definitely possible, but you have quite a hill to climb.
    Apr 13, 2021 3
    • Amazon
      DiaH20

      Go to company page Amazon

      DiaH20
      OP, many HMs will look at retail experience as no different than selling cars.

      Yes it’s sales, but at the same time, it’s completely different.

      That is the mentality you will be going up against. But then again, all it takes is one HM to take a chance on you.

      I laid out your entry path pretty clearly in my 2nd to last paragraph. Just pointing out the obstacles to be aware of.
      Apr 13, 2021
    • Amazon
      Dr PIPster

      Go to company page Amazon

      Dr PIPster
      Damn. Entitled much OP?

      I know I want to be a trillionaire but also acknowledge there are a lot of steps between my current net wealth and that goal.

      DiaH20 and others laid out the path and possible down level for you.

      Think you need to take a step back, eat some humble pie and think about what you offer a HM and why they should take a chance on you.
      Apr 13, 2021
  • AT&T
    expiredput

    Go to company page AT&T

    expiredput
    What’d you do in sales for a telecom? How long? There’s a big difference between retail sales consultant and account manager.
    Apr 11, 2021 2
    • New
      KCKCKCKC

      New

      KCKCKCKC
      OP
      I was retail in a corporate store but actually liked selling SMB products and services (business internet, employee phone plans, fleet management systems...etc) and I did that for 2 years before I quit to earn some technical skills while I was still at uni. Loved my coworkers and still talk to them but just didn't like selling a certain kind of TV service (knowing that the other legacy one was better but being phased out) felt like I was cheating the customer especially since the company kept pushing people out of it. All in all a great experience but I felt I was young enough to job change without looking bad (especially after 2 years) leaving especially after seeing senior managers who got laid off after ~20 years of being at the company breakdown and cry while the company is going through a multi-billion dollar acquisition.
      I'm sure they had reasons as those decisions aren't as straightforward as they may seem but I just wanted to go where there's growth hopefully.
      Please let me know what you think as I think you understand exactly what I am talking about hopefully.
      Apr 11, 2021
    • AT&T
      expiredput

      Go to company page AT&T

      expiredput
      It’s definitely possible. As others have suggested, you’re probably looking at an L4 position, which is going to be more cold-calling and lead generation than actual selling, but that’s where you usually start if you don’t have prior account manager experience outside Amazon. Feel free to DM if interested, but you’re already on a good track, especially getting your CPC ahead of time.
      Apr 11, 2021