Good Field Sales Reps Beware
Pros
1. Hands down the best work/life balance in the industry if you're okay with living on a base salary. Since it's generally understood that quotas are set to be unattainable and there's a perception that there's a shortage of talent in the industry, you can stay here for as long as you want with achieving little. It's common for people to check out and do nothing (which is expected with unattainable quotas). 3. Good name in the industry for the resume (for now). 4. Amazing amounts of resources to help you with your opportunities, if you have one. 5. Working from home - take your kids to school, take trips, it's all good. Just attain at least 30% of your quota. 6. Benefits are great. 7. Great place to network and look for your next role.
Cons
Look, Oracle's senior leadership is focused on shareholder value. That's their job and they're doing that. That strategy seems to be paying off for now and they know more about how to do that then I ever will. This post is simply to inform GOOD sales reps of the current situation in field sales at Oracle. If you're just starting a career in sales or have struggled in sales, this post is not for you. Oracle might be a good place to develop early in your career (see pros above) and as I said, it's a GREAT place for those who want to lay low and spend time with their families and have great work life balance. My Review: I've been at Oracle for five years now in field sales. Like me, good sales reps come to Oracle to make money because that's the Oracle reputation. Oracle is still relying on that reputation to pull good people over. Let me be clear - there are very few people making any money in field sales at Oracle and you will not get one of those roles. Due to this, the turnover in field sales is tremendously high for good people, moral is as low as it could be, and the culture is awful. Anyone here a year has moved to a new team, has left, or is looking. Mid-level managers (RM's up to GVP's) have no ability to get creative to retain good people. They're making an investment by getting the title so they can move on too. Mangers up to the GVP level are seen as tactical by senior leadership. They have absolutely no ability to affect change or be strategic in their roles. Their hands are tied with quota assignment, accounts, territories, and the size of their team. They're basically highly paid babysitters. My Advice if you are seeking a role at Oracle: 1. Force Oracle to give you a non-recoverable draw like others in the industry or don't come here. That minimizes your risk a little and gives you some time to see if what they told you is real and see for yourself. 2. Get a much higher base salary than you think you're worth since that's what you'll live on for your career indefinitely. 3. Set your expectations to learning and networking since making money is not an option. 4. Once here, be nice to everyone since you'll be looking for a job soon and they'll be your peers or entry into new job opportunities (external and internal) later in your career when you've realized your mistake.
