SaaS Sales Development Representative

Alumni story: Monaja Jackson

Overview

Software as a Service is a software delivery model that is used by companies across industries such as finance, healthcare, education and retail. Startup companies rub shoulders with industry titans in their use of SaaS. These are often digital software solutions like subscription-based models that grant access to software on-demand without the hassle of installation or maintenance. Some of the most successful SaaS companies include Microsoft, Oracle, Adobe, and SAP. 

This program offers you the opportunity to become involved in the fast growing field of software sales.

Applications are open to residents in the Appalachian region (or a town under 50K in population) of the following states:

Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Apply now, seats will be limited and the earlier you apply, higher your chances of being selected.

What do we offer?

The training program has online real-time classes and learners can receive access to tech if needed (e.g., laptop device)

Generation will also support participants to land full-time, remote jobs after program completion.

Here are the main details of the program’s offer:

• Free training. You’ll learn all you need to be successful – from the necessary technical skills to the employment essentials that will help you achieve your potential. 
• $900 in paid internships. You’ll complete a paid internship with actual companies during the program (45 hours of paid work total at $20/hr). This internship will give you real-life work experience to learn from and add to your resume.
• Connect with hiring employers. In the last few weeks of your program, you’ll work with our mentors to prepare for life after your training program. We’ll help prepare your resume and develop your interview skills so you’ll be ready to connect with employers. We’ll support you with applications and help you transition into your new career in Software Sales.
• Dedicated mentor support during the program and for up to 6 months afterwards to give you the best chance of succeeding and overcoming any challenges.

What you will gain

• It’s free! Gain all the skills you need to kickstart a career in the sales industry, at no cost to you
• Average estimated starting annual salary from $50K with an additional ~$20K in commission based bonuses
• Access to future progression opportunities
• Grow in confidence and resilience, while building your first professional network in the classroom

What jobs can I do after completing the program?

This program trains you to become a Sales Development Representative or a Business Development Representative, a critical sales role that is responsible for bringing new customers to a company. You will be an essential part of a sales team that is connecting customers to great software products. You will have the opportunity to stay updated with the latest software technologies and trends and build your professional sales abilities.

Who is this program for?

This program is open to adult learners of all ages (18+ on March 1st, 2025), currently unemployed or underemployed and living in the following states: Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

You don’t need any qualifications or experience to apply, and we encourage applications from groups under-represented in the tech industry – particularly women and those without university degrees.

We are looking for learners who 

• are attracted to sales positions and/or enjoy working directly with customers
• are self-starters who can thrive in a remote learning and working environment
• feel comfortable with the idea of learning new computer programs, such as CRMs (e.g. HubSpot, Salesforce)

Learner requirements

• Adult learners of all ages (18+ on March 1st, 2025)
• Resident in the following states: Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia
• High School degree or GED equivalent 
• Not currently in education, training or employment
• Have the legal right to work and live in the United States
• Available full-time for the duration of the program, and ready to start full-time job after the program

Program Dates

What industry skills will you learn?

Technical skills

We’ll help you learn the technical skills with lots of hands-on, interactive sessions. By the end, you’ll understand how to…

• Use Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software for tracking and managing sales prospects  
• Research customers using tools like LinkedIn Sales Navigator (research of prospects/establish first contact)
• Communicate with your sales team, as well as prospective customers using sales software  
• Leverage sales software for proficiency and success, such as HubSpot, Salesforce, Zoom, Apollo, Gong, IO, Excel
• Track your sales activities to meet Key Performance Indicators (KPI)

Don’t worry if some of these technical skills aren’t familiar to you – you’ll learn them in the program.

You’ll also graduate with key certifications from HubSpot, a global leader in sales software. These certifications will help you land your first role as a Sales Development Representative! 

Behavioral skills 

In every job, there are key skills that will help you be successful and stand out as a high quality team member. We’ll help you learn how to develop the key behavioral skills that will ensure you can transition into your new career smoothly and successfully. You’ll develop skills in:

• Communication 
• Proactiveness
• Empathy

What does a "SaaS Sales Development Representative (SDR)" do?

Every company hoping to sell their product needs an exceptional sales team. The SDR role is critical for establishing a connection between a company’s product and prospective customers.

SDRs are often the first point of contact for potential customers, and they can generate interest, curiosity or excitement about their company’s  product. They guide the customer to the next step in the sales process, and work to understand the preferences of each customer, ensuring they feel welcomed. They also can be critical in the process of upselling existing customers into additional products and levels of service. 

SDRs play a vital role in initiating meaningful conversations, nurturing relationships and ultimately paving the way for business growth and success.

The application process

Community Outreach Partner

Ongoing benefits of Generation

• A trusted network. You’ll join our ever-growing network of Generation graduates with access to continued learning and support from us.
• Get involved and give back. There are many ways to get involved with spreading the Generation message once you graduate to help more people access life-changing careers.
• Ongoing support. Use your new Generation network to find out about future career opportunities and troubleshoot challenges with each other.

About Generation

What our graduates are saying

Diamond

“Generation is for anybody who wants to go further in life and build something. They brought things out of me that I didn’t even know was there. Now I’m excited about going to work. I have more confidence, and I’m happier than ever.”

Read their story

Dasha

“If I think back to a year from today, now I’m a completely different person. I never thought I’d be in this field or growing this much in my career. If I hadn’t been through the Generation program, I’d probably still be a curbside shopper. This is all thanks to Generation.”

Read their story