Datto’s Jason Pryce Says a Constant Thirst for Knowledge is a Requirement in Tech

Aaron Woods, vice chair of CompTIA’s Advancing Diversity in Technology Community, sat down with Jason Pryce, business development engineer at Datto and a member of ADIT’s Executive Council, to talk about his career and what people can learn from it, as well as where the business of technology is headed. Read on.

Aaron Woods: What parts of your job do you find most challenging.

Jason Pryce: In the technology space, things are always adapting and changing. The latest and greatest product of last month could be easily surpassed by the latest and greatest tech of this month. As a solution engineer or sales engineer, you have to have a constant thirst [for] knowledge that will allow you to stay in tuned with what is new in your niche.

AW: Are there any negatives to your job?

JP: I think every job has negatives or it wouldn’t really be a job. As a sales engineer, you are typically dealing with a wide range of people who have different skill-sets and levels of technical proficiencies. There is no cookie cutter demo or method to deliver information and so a lot of adjustments have to be [made] depending on who your audience is.

AW: What educational preparation would you recommend for someone who wants to advance in this field?

JP: I would recommend obtaining some certifications, as it will give you a great foundation to build upon. I do not currently have any certifications, but I do realize that my progression would have been easier with one. I plan on getting a networking certification this year.

AW: How do most people enter this profession?

JP: The majority of the people I have met who are in this role started as technical support reps. They are able to learn about all the little facets of the technology as well as learn how to communicate with people at a time when they may be less than thrilled to speak to you, [since] if you’re talking to someone in support it tends to be bad. This gives you the ability to learn the tech intimately and be able to position it to prospects.

AW: Are too many or too few people entering this profession?

JP: I think that the current levels of demand are being met. This role is necessary and a vital part of the sales process. As sales teams and goals are constantly expanded, so will the need for sales engineers.

AW: What developments on the horizon could affect future opportunities in tech?

JP: As new tech comes about [as well as] the need to be able to break down how the tech works and the benefits versus feature conversations, the role will continue to expand.

AW: Our industry has changed dramatically in the past five years. What have you seen from inside your company?

JP: I have seen more of a push to get a more diverse group of candidates into positions that there may not have been great representation in previously.

AW: Where do you think the changes will happen in the next five years?

JP: I believe that we will be much closer to achieving a diverse workforce in the tech sector. We will still have much work to achieve but I believe we will start to see more diverse candidates in positions of leadership.

AW: What would be a reasonable salary range to expect for people first entering this field? What is the long-term potential, particularly in terms of advancement and promotion?

JP: $70,000 to $150,000. There are so many routes you can go. I have seen colleagues go into more technical development roles or I’ve even seen some colleagues go into more of a sales role. Once again, this position gives you the ability to go in multiple directions.

AW: If you could start all over again, would you change your career path in any way?

JP: No, I think the journey I have taken has made me a better sales engineer.