Can I apply to Big 3 Cloud (and other top SaaS) for Junior AE after a full year as a top performing BDR? Coming from 7yoe of industry + Big 4 consulting with MBA before pivoting into tech sales to be a hunter closer. Aiming for industry-aligned AE openings to leverage my related background, but most descriptions still “require” 2-5 years of quota or full cycle experience even for SMB. Would my 12mo as BDR be good enough since I have 8 total years of professional experience?
If you highlight the skills you picked up over those years, I think it should be enough. It really comes down to the requirements of the company, though, Still, I think you stand a pretty good chance of making that leap.
I think you should apply for sure, the leap sounds pretty doable with your background. Like C1 said, it'll be more about how you sell yourself and that past experience
Absolutely worth applying, you never know how it will work out. If you interview well I don't see this being a problem at all.