Hi, I’m Sierra Owens! I’m an Inside Sales Representative (ISR) in Dell Technologies’ Federal department where I focus on covering the Channel. I’m approaching my four-year anniversary with Dell, and I couldn’t be more excited about the growth and opportunities I’ve experienced along the way. I graduated from Texas State University in May 2021 with a degree in Communication Studies and a minor in Psychology.

Shortly after graduation, I joined Dell through the Sales Academy program, which was a pivotal step in launching my career in tech sales. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to take on new challenges and grow within the company. In September 2021, I transitioned into the Federal department, where I’m fortunate to support our government partners with innovative solutions tailored to their unique needs.

On a personal note, I recently got married, and it’s been a wonderful new chapter in both my personal and professional life. Outside of work, you can usually find me enjoying the outdoors—exploring Austin’s parks and trails. I’m lucky to live in a city that offers such natural beauty and endless opportunities for adventure. I’m grateful to be part of a company like Dell, where I’m encouraged to grow and pursue both my professional and personal passions. I look forward to the exciting opportunities that the future holds!

What motivated you to start your career at Dell Technologies?

I was drawn to Dell Technologies because of its reputation for innovation and commitment to employee growth. After graduating from Texas State University, I wanted to join a company that not only offered career development opportunities but also had a strong, inclusive culture. The Sales Academy program at Dell was a great fit for me, as it provided the training and support, I needed to launch my career in tech sales. Dell's focus on collaboration and cutting-edge solutions makes it an exciting place to grow professionally and contribute to impactful projects.

What tips do you have for someone looking to start or grow their Sales career at Dell?

Starting or growing your sales career at Dell Technologies is an exciting opportunity, and there are several strategies to help you succeed:

• Embrace continuous learning: Dell is a tech leader, and staying current on industry trends, new technologies and product knowledge is crucial. Take full advantage of Dell’s training resources, attend internal sessions and always keep learning!
• Build strong relationships: Sales is built on relationships. Whether you're working with customers, internal teams or partners, building trust is key. The stronger the relationships, the easier it is to navigate challenges and find new opportunities.
• Network strategically: Networking at Dell, both within and outside your immediate team, can help you open doors and gain valuable insights. Attend company events, reach out to mentors and connect with peers across departments. The more you network, the more you’ll grow.
• Get involved in Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and culture clubs: Dell offers a variety of ERGs and culture clubs that provide great opportunities to connect with others, promote inclusion and grow both personally and professionally. These groups also help you build relationships across the company and broaden your perspective.
• Stay resilient: Sales can be tough, but resilience is key. Stay positive through the ups and downs, and don’t be afraid to ask for help or lean on your team. Learn from every challenge and keep pushing forward.
• Be solution-oriented: At Dell, we focus on solving customer problems with tailored solutions. Always approach sales with the mindset of creating value, and the results will follow.

What technology do you use daily? How are you using AI at work/home?

On a daily basis, I rely heavily on tools like Salesforce, Microsoft Teams, and Outlook to stay organized, collaborate with my team and manage customer relationships. These platforms help me track opportunities, keep up with communication and stay connected with both customers and colleagues.

As for AI, I use it both at work and in my personal life. At work, AI-powered chat tools help me quickly learn about tech and stay informed about our products, which allows me to have more productive conversations with customers. At home, Alexa is a huge help—whether it’s managing my calendar, setting reminders, controlling smart home devices or even playing music to keep me energized. AI makes everyday tasks more efficient and gives me more time to focus on the things that matter most, both at work and in my personal life.

How do you see AI transforming the role of a Sales Representative?

AI is set to transform the role of a Sales Representative by automating routine tasks like data entry, follow-ups and lead qualification, which will free up more time for reps to focus on active selling and building meaningful customer relationships. AI will also assist in configuring solutions more efficiently, quickly analyzing customer needs to recommend tailored products or services.

Additionally, AI can help resolve logistic issues by streamlining processes like inventory management, order fulfillment and delivery tracking, ensuring that sales reps can provide timely and accurate information to customers. This reduces delays and allows sales reps to offer seamless service. By handling the technical, administrative and logistical aspects of the sales process, AI will empower reps to be more efficient and focused on what truly matters—engaging with customers, solving their problems and driving results.

What does a day in your life look like in Federal Sales?

As an ISR in Dell Technologies’ Federal department, my day revolves around managing accounts and ensuring that our government customers are supported with the best solutions to meet their unique challenges. I start each day by reviewing my Salesforce dashboard to track the status of key accounts, prioritize follow-ups and identify any new opportunities or potential issues. A significant portion of my time is dedicated to maintaining and nurturing relationships with existing government clients. I make sure I’m aligned with their needs, proactively addressing any roadblocks they may face, whether it’s in terms of budget constraints, procurement timelines or regulatory compliance. Understanding these unique challenges is crucial, as it helps me tailor solutions that fit both their short and long-term goals.

Throughout the day, I also stay up to date on the latest technology trends and product offerings to ensure that I can provide relevant, forward-thinking solutions to my customers. This involves collaborating with sales engineers, product specialists and technical teams to better understand how new innovations can address the specific needs of the public sector. In addition to managing my accounts and customer relationships, I work closely with partners to ensure we’re aligned on channel strategies and have the resources needed to execute effectively. I also handle any logistical issues, making sure that the products and services we offer are delivered smoothly and on time to avoid disruptions.

Ultimately, my role is about being a trusted partner to my accounts, managing their needs from start to finish and helping them overcome the obstacles they face in the public sector. It’s a dynamic role, where no two days are the same, but it’s incredibly rewarding to know that I’m making an impact by delivering tailored solutions to our government customers.