Pros
I was having trouble getting into IT sales. I didn't have the experience to make a lateral move into management, and companies were hesitant to offer me entry level positions. I came across Goliath through a referral. I was given the opportunity to step into the role of account manager, and since the company was only about 2 years old at this point would have exposure to executive leadership daily. I was actually offered a job at another company the same day I was offered the position at Goliath. The other offer paid a significantly higher base salary, but I chose Goliath because I saw myself being able to learn more about how to be successful in technology sales more quickly. The gamble paid off big time. The focus on sales training was a huge factor in my ability to contribute to the business almost immediately. Though I knew next to nothing about the technology, the system in place allowed me to be productive, generate opportunities and close sales, and while the selling was happening I learned the technology and the business. I would bet that during the year I worked at Goliath I gained three years of experience--the sales and business training is that good. And it wasn't just the training it was the culture too. If I wasn't focused on getting into a management role I don't see that I would have had any reason to leave Goliath. Because of the experience I gained at Goliath was able to take on a national sales manager role at a large system integrator less than two years after getting into the technology field. I am convinced that getting into management again in such a short time frame is a direct result of my choice to take the more challenging of the two jobs I was offered.
Cons
Nothing is ever perfect, you know.