From Teacher to SDR: How Continuous Learning Powers Career Growth at Sage

Steffi Samuel joined Sage from a career in education, making the transition into sales and embracing a completely new professional path.

"The best advice I could give someone that's looking to start at Sage is this: it's the place where you're going to flourish, if you're ready to listen to feedback and take ownership of your own learning and develop in your career," says Steffi Samuel.

Since joining, she has taken ownership of her development and made the most of the many learning opportunities available at Sage, including resources from the Sales Academy, the company's e-learning platform, and LinkedIn Learning courses.

"I come from an educational background, so it was a massive leap into sales, but they set up a development plan, coaching weekly, side by sides, and they had everything set up for me so I could achieve my role."

A strong advocate for continuous learning, Steffi has also developed her AI skills through the training and tools available to colleagues at Sage. By combining a growth mindset with a commitment to upskilling, she has progressed from Associate Sales Development Representative (SDR) to SDR and successfully moved into a new team, where she is contributing to high-impact and strategically important work.

"I've had to do this for myself, and this is what's helped me become an associate to an SDR within six months, and then make another move within three months."

Steffi credits much of her success to the people around her. Throughout her journey, experienced colleagues, mentors and buddies have provided guidance, encouragement and coaching, helping her build confidence, develop new skills and grow her career at Sage.

"I've had someone who's been here for 29 years who sat next to me and made sure that I built up my confidence, and I was ready to go, because she wanted me to achieve," Steffi says. "You get the support of a lovely team."