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Conference 7.286::digital

Title:The Digital way of working
Moderator:QUARK::LIONELON
Created:Fri Feb 14 1986
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:5321
Total number of notes:139771

483.0. "Engineering to sales?" by LDP::MELNYK (Andy) Thu Mar 03 1988 13:39

    
    I've read and heard a lot about how people move around from one
    job to another within DEC, and, i have a few specific questions.
    First, is it possible for an engineer to get transferred into a
    sales position?  How good are the prospects for such a move?  If
    not, what other field positions might perhaps be more appropriate?
    Sales is preferable, though not a totally exclusive preference.
    Although i'm presently a S/W engineer, i have worked in sales in
    the past (TV & appliances).  I realize this isn't the optimal back-
    ground for a technical sales position, though maybe its better 
    than no sales background at all. 
         My wife and i would like to move from the northeast to a less
    expensive area of the country, like the south or the midwest.
    We're both from New England, and might never have seriously con-
    sidered moving away, were it not for the ridiculously high cost
    of housing here.  We have friends in other parts of the country
    who pay considerably less for mortgage and taxes (on a recently
    purchased house) than we pay for rent here in central Mass.
         Still, i'd like to stay with DEC if possible.  I realize that
    i might have to take a pay cut in moving out into the field, though
    that would hopefully be offset by lower living costs (mainly cheaper
    housing and more housing options), if such a move takes us out of
    the northeast (and not into so. Cal.).
         Has anyone made a move from engineering to sales who could
    share their experiences and observations with me?  I'd like to 
    know more about it before giving it a try.  You may reply to this
    note, or send E-mail to LDP::MELNYK.
    
    73,
    Andy
T.RTitleUserPersonal
Name		DateLines
483.1how about SWS?CHOVAX::YOUNGBack from the Shadows Again,Thu Mar 03 1988 21:3811
    Hmmm..., I would think that Software Services would be much easier
    unless you have a special desire to be in Sales(???).
    
    I doubt that you would have to take a pay cut to move to the field,
    and I know that our Unit & District is ALWAYS hiring, so there should
    be no problem finding openings.  Be forewarned however, most field
    units will NOT pay relocation... why is another story.
    
    --  Barry 
    
    ps.  Yes, it IS cheaper out here...
483.2Yeah, that's the ticket...SRFSUP::MCCARTHYLarry McCarthy, LAOFri Mar 04 1988 10:5521
  Barry's on the right track, I think. To my mind, your best bet would 
be to try to get to the field in a Software Services position doing 
Sales Support. This way, you could take advantage of your technical 
background, figure out how Digital sells, take Digital sales training 
(this is provided/required for new Sales Support recruits) and
then demonstrate to Sales Management that you would be an asset in their
organization. In the meantime, you will be involved in the sales cycle.

  You can expect that SWS will require that you do a 2-year stint 
(sentence?) in Sales Support for them to recoup their investment. 
However, since the Sales organization funds this part of SWS, you may 
get time off for good behavior.

  As to the relocation - Barry's probably right. They DON'T pay 
relocation these days. That doesn't mean it's totally impossible. But 
don't count on it. Not even a little.

  Good luck,
  Larry.

PS - It's NOT cheaper here in L.A.
483.3ATLANT::SCHMIDTMon Mar 07 1988 12:2310
  Maybe all the recent notes about Software Services have left our 
  gentle noter less inclined to work for that organization?

  In any case, there used to be a program in the field that went by 
  the acronym FSDP -- Field Sales Development Program, pronounced 
  "Fizz-Dip".  Does it still exist?  You may want to enter the 
  Field at a higher level than that allowed, but it might still
  be a useful source of general information.

                                   Atlant
483.4We might have a job for you in Chicago....CHIRON::MANGUThu Mar 17 1988 17:2610
    
    ANDY, we are looking for people in our organization (SWS, Central
    Area, Chicago). I'd like to talk to you about it. I moved out here
    over a 1 1/2 yrs. ago. Just moving out of Massachusetts made a
    difference (the state taxes are much lower). I took advantage of
    the relocation benefits and bought a great house, which I could
    not afford out there at the time. Give me a call: DTN 474-5775.
    
    					- Ramani