The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
Sales Development Representative (SDR) / Business Development Representative (BDR)
2-3 yearsSkills to master
- Lead qualification, cold outreach (email/phone), CRM management, understanding sales cycles, objection handling.
You're ready to move on when
- Consistently exceeding SDR/BDR targets.
- Demonstrated interest in international markets (e.g., choosing international territories for outreach).
- Ability to work independently and manage a high volume of outreach activities.
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail in CRM logging.
- 2
Market Research Analyst (Junior/Mid-Level)
2-4 yearsSkills to master
- Data gathering and analysis, report writing, understanding market trends, competitive analysis, using research tools (e.g., Statista).
You're ready to move on when
- Producing high-quality, insightful market reports.
- Ability to translate data into actionable insights.
- Strong written communication skills.
- Proactive in identifying new research sources or methodologies.
- 3
International Sales Coordinator / Administrator
3-5 yearsSkills to master
- Understanding international logistics, export/import processes, supporting international sales teams, client communication, basic contract administration.
You're ready to move on when
- Deep understanding of international operational nuances.
- Excellent organisational and administrative skills.
- Strong communication with international clients/partners.
- Demonstrated initiative in streamlining international processes.