What does a Sales Executive / SDR actually do?

The short version

Sales development reps and sales executives generate the pipeline everything else runs on — cold outreach, qualifying leads, booking meetings for the closers. It's the most common entry door into B2B sales, and one of the few degree-optional routes to serious earnings within a few years.

The pitch: no degree needed, quick progression to closing roles, and pay that scales with what you deliver. The catch: it's repetitive, rejection-heavy, measured by the day — and churn is high, because roughly half of reps don't hit quota and the ones who miss repeatedly get managed out. AI is also compressing the volume end of the job, so the bar is shifting toward real conversations, not activity.

Entry routes that actually work

• Direct SDR/BDR hire — tech and SaaS firms hire on attitude and coachability; expect a cold-call role-play at interview.
• Graduate sales scheme — structured training at larger firms; competitive but supported.
• Adjacent pivot — retail, hospitality and call-centre experience converts well.