From Intern to Full-Time Sales Professional: My Journey at Fyle!
Hello, everyone! I’m Supratik, an Account Executive at Fyle. Beyond selling SaaS and keeping my CRM up to date, my daily routine is fuelled by a cup of Elaichi tea paired with the morning newspaper, 45-60 minutes of weight training, and learning Business Growth strategies. On challenging days, I find solace in a long & tiring run.
My journey with Fyle began as an intern, eventually leading to a full-time role where I now handle more strategic deals. This blog is about my transformation and how Fyle helped me as the perfect platform for my growth.
Every career journey is unique, shaped by experiences, challenges, and the lessons learned along the way. Mine began during my university days, where I honed some foundational skills without even realising it. Participating in cultural events, I was responsible for scouting sponsors and handling operations. It was my first taste of pitching, negotiating, and building professional relationships, laying the groundwork for a career in sales.
The First Step: SDR/BDR Role
After university, I entered the corporate world as a Sales Development Representative (SDR), later transitioning into a Business Development Representative (BDR) role. Over the next two years, I was introduced to the fast-paced world of SaaS lead generation and sales. This period was transformative. Collaborating with senior Strategic Account Executives, I observed their calm demeanour during calls and their ability to drive meaningful business conversations. These interactions inspired me, sparking a desire to advance into a closing role myself.
Taking the Leap: Joining Fyle
After two years of creating opportunities, I felt ready for the next stage of my career. That’s when Fyle came into the picture, offering an opportunity that perfectly aligned with my aspirations. I joined as an Intern Account Executive, tasked with learning the end-to-end sales process.
Initially, I was apprehensive. Despite my background, I lacked experience in closing deals—a critical skill for an Account Executive. However, Fyle’s supportive culture and the mentorship of my team gave me the confidence to tackle this challenge head-on.
Embracing the Learning Curve
The next three months were a whirlwind of learning. Each day brought its own challenges: some were filled with small wins, while others tested my resilience with constructive feedback. My determination to improve became my greatest asset.
The journey began with mastering the platform, listening to call recordings, and conducting mock demos with team members. Once I gained the confidence of the team, I was assigned a list of previously disqualified leads. My mission was to revive these leads and generate new opportunities. Leveraging the skills I had developed during my SDR years, I exceeded expectations. Within my first month, I generated five opportunities and closed three deals—a milestone that remains one of the highlights of my career.
Interestingly, one of these opportunities came from a cold call. This was a significant personal victory, as I had always been uncomfortable with cold calling. Overcoming this mental block gave me the confidence to push past other perceived limitations.
Transitioning to a Full-Time Role
Successfully completing the internship marked a turning point. I was thrilled to receive a full-time offer from Fyle, transitioning from an intern to a full-fledged Account Executive. Fast forward three years, and I’m now handling larger strategic deals and channel deals, contributing to the company’s growth in more impactful ways.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of my role has been mentoring new interns. I had the privilege of guiding two new team members through their onboarding process, passing on the lessons I’ve learned, and helping them navigate the early stages of their journey.
Key Achievements Over the Years
Reflecting on my time at Fyle, here are some of the milestones I’m most proud of:
First Deal Closure: The thrill of closing my first deal is something I’ll never forget. It validated all the hard work and learning I’d invested.
Commendable Performance: Generated over 45 closed-won opportunities in a single quarter.
Adding New Logos: Successfully onboarded 250+ new customers to Fyle.
Driving Revenue: Contributed close to $600K ARR to Fyle’s Annual Revenue.
Awards: Awarded the Deal Closure award in July 2024 for bringing in the highest number of deals
Mentorship: Played an active role in onboarding and mentoring new team members.
The Role of Fyle’s Culture in My Growth
What makes Fyle special is its culture of support and transparency. The company operates with an open-door policy, where everyone is accountable for their deliverables, and individual contributors (ICs) have full visibility into cross-functional processes. This environment encourages learning and collaboration, enabling team members to grow beyond the boundaries of their roles.
For me, this culture has been instrumental in shaping my journey. The constructive feedback, the trust placed in me to take on challenges, and the opportunity to collaborate with other teams have all contributed to my development as a sales professional.
Lessons for Aspiring Sales Professionals
If you’re considering a career in sales or looking to pivot into the field, here are a few insights from my journey that might help you:
Don’t Fear Starting Over
Sometimes, taking a step back is necessary to move forward in the right direction. I transitioned from a full-time SDR to an intern AE before becoming a full-time Account Executive. This shift allowed me to build the skills I needed for long-term success.Resilience Is Key
Sales come with daily challenges, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by rejections or setbacks. Developing a resilient mindset is crucial. Keep a journal of your mistakes, learn from them, and strive to improve a little each day. Results will follow.Communicate Openly
Sales is a rollercoaster of highs and lows. Sharing your experiences, thoughts, and challenges with your leader or mentor can provide the perspective and motivation needed to stay on track.Celebrate Small Wins
Every milestone, no matter how small, is a step toward your larger goals. Whether it’s mastering cold calls or generating your first opportunity, acknowledge and celebrate these achievements.
Closing Thoughts
My journey at Fyle has been filled with ups and downs, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything else. The experiences, challenges, and lessons I’ve gained here have been invaluable, not just professionally but personally as well.
For anyone embarking on a similar path, remember that every step—no matter how daunting—brings you closer to your goals. Embrace the process, seek out opportunities to learn, and trust that with persistence, success will follow.