The Gartner Sales Development Program is designed to equip aspiring sales professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the field. Through a combination of classroom instruction and on-the-job development opportunities, participants gain practical tools and meaningful experiences that enhance their business impact and career growth. The program begins with a month of training which covers key topics such as client interactions and pipeline management.
Oluchi Nwabuwa
A Sales Development Manager who has been with Gartner for two years recently shared her insights and experiences from her journey through the Sales Development Program, highlighting the growth and success she has achieved. Read on to discover what she had to say:
My journey with Gartner began unexpectedly during my final year at the University of Surrey. A recruiter reached out to me on LinkedIn, and after extensive research, I connected with a Surrey alumnus who held a senior position at Gartner. His enthusiasm and desire to return to Gartner after leaving for another company spoke volumes about the positive and collaborative environment. This supportive atmosphere, where everyone is committed to helping you succeed, has been a key factor in my continued journey with Gartner.
As a Sales Development Associate, my day was structured yet dynamic. Here’s a glimpse into my routine:
- Planning: Start by organizing the week ahead.
- Engagement: Cold call C-level prospects for our executives and craft outreach emails.
- Prospecting: Continuously identify new leads to keep the list fresh.
- Skill Enhancement: Participate in the Elevate Development program and shadow executive calls.
- Data Management: Update Salesforce data for compliance and accurate reporting.
In my role as a Sales Development Manager, my focus is on nurturing talent and fostering growth:
- Coaching: Guide my team through one-on-one and group sessions to exceed monthly KPIs.
- Development: Dedicate time to learning and development for both my team and myself.
- Leadership: Enhance my skills as a thoughtful, human-centric leader.
- Meetings: Attend mandatory internal meetings to stay aligned with organizational goals.
Since joining the London Office in September 2022, I've experienced significant personal and professional growth. I've become stronger, more confident, and empowered in my role. Gartner maximizes my strengths daily and views areas for improvement as opportunities for growth, helping me become 1% better every day.
My success is rooted in the ability to fail fast, ask questions, and remain open to feedback. Gartner's culture encourages learning from mistakes and applying insights effectively. Curiosity is valued, and asking questions enhances my performance. Being receptive to feedback and implementing actionable insights has been crucial to my development.
For those considering Gartner’s Sales Development Program, I offer this advice:
- Understand Your WHY: This will help you stay grounded and authentic during the interview process.
- Utilize Resources: Connect with current associates to learn from their experiences.
- Research: Immerse yourself in Gartner's culture to make an informed decision.