Graduate Highlight
Felix Navarrete (Cohort 1), a former Property Manager and Construction Entrepreneur graduated from PreSales Academy in November 2021 and started in a Solutions Consultant position at Gainsight a few months later! Learn more about his inspiring story below:
Tell us about yourself:
Before the PSA I had a good run in construction. I had the opportunity to learn a few different aspects about the industry including but not limited to project management, architectural design, and how to build a house with my own hands. I was first intrigued to enter PreSales because it didn't seem like your typical office job. It is a job that requires you to be focused on the task at hand. A job that requires you to be constantly learning new skills and growing. After a bit of research and a few conversations with people in PreSales, I knew this is where I wanted to be. At first, I didn't know how I was going to be successful and actually make this career change. I did believe that with my previous experience combined with the PSA I would be able to be successful and break into the tech industry.
What made you want to get into PreSales?
The biggest draw for me was the collaboration aspect of the job. Working on unique and diverse teams in a fast-paced environment is a great reason to wake up in the morning!
Why did you choose PreSales Academy?
I chose PreSales Academy because it excited me. I was excited to embark on a new journey. The more I discovered about the PSA, the more I felt like I was hiking in the woods with my sight set on summiting the mountain in the distance. I felt PreSales Academy would equip me to make the climb!
What would you recommend to someone considering the PSA?
I would recommend not spending too much time researching without any action. Take action and spark a conversation with anyone at PSA or anyone who has gone through the PSA. You will be surprised that no one will try to sell you, rather they will just show you the value and let you decide on your own. Also just look at the track record…scoreboard :)
How did PSA help you in ultimately landing a PreSales job?
PreSales Academy took a chance on me and provided me with an opportunity to rapidly learn new skills and make meaningful connections in the PreSales community. Yuji was critical in helping me land a job. He set up interviews with hiring managers. He did mock demos with me and gave me crucial feedback that significantly improved my demo. PSA was there every step of the way for me.
Anything else to add about your experience with the program?
I significantly underestimated the positive impact that a part-time program was going to have on my life. PSA forced me to make better decisions each day. While in the program, it is hard to always see the progress of one or two weeks from good decisions. However, after several months of making better decisions, you are able to see that you are in many ways a new and improved version of yourself. Someone who sees challenges as opportunities. Someone who has the ability to replace nervousness with excitement. Mindset is everything and that is exactly what PSA gave me.
Where do you work now?
I am a Solutions Consultant at Gainsight. I am most excited to learn how to win at business by putting people first.