Know-How Exchange : Other

Why do you want to change what you're doing? What is your short-term and long-term goal? What makes you think either of your choices will help you achieve it? Have you talked with people who are doing these jobs in your company (both new hires and long-term)?

If you enjoyed your role in sales, you might not enjoy a role in the analytics side of marketing. In my experience, these two roles require very different types of people.

As for looking for a new position within marketing, I generally find that sales execs have an easier time doing that within their current company than in a new company. That's more true than ever with the number of marketing people who have lost their jobs in this recession.

If you have no opportunities within your current company and must look outside your organization, I would look for a role of "marketing coordinator." It's entry level, but given your 3 years in sales and no experience with marketing, it may be your best bet.

On the bright side, these roles are a good stepping off point into a variety of different careers in marketing. You'll get to see things from many angles and figure out what appeals to you. And, it is one role where your experience with sales can come in handy as coordinators are often tasked with marketing support for the sales team.

Good luck!

Melissa