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To Aim Higher

than ever Before

Get Ready

Ready to start your journey as a Sales Engineer?

Whether you’re seeking personalized 1:1 coaching or ready to join our next SE Accelerator Cohort, PATH will guide you every step of the way.
Build your skills, gain confidence, and take the next step toward your career in tech.

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What is PATH?

The Presales Advancement and Training Hub (PATH) Foundation opens doors to careers in Sales Engineering through mentorship, education, and community. We help individuals from all backgrounds gain the skills, confidence, and access needed to thrive in tech.

Grounded in Access, Empowerment, Integrity, Community, and Excellence, PATH exists to turn potential into opportunity, one workshop, one mentor, and one success story at a time!

Maybe you're ready to break into tech. Maybe you're looking to pivot your technical skills into a client-facing role. Or maybe you're driven to lead, influence, and close the gap between engineering and impact. Whatever your goal, how you position your story—online and in person—can change everything. At P.A.T.H., we help you craft it with clarity, confidence, and strategy.

PATH Can Help empower your

sales Engineering Journey

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“P.A.T.H. helped me connect the dots between my skills and this new career, and gave me the confidence to tell my story in a way that landed interviews. It felt like having a personal coach and a playbook all in one.”

- P.A.T.H. SE Accelerator Participant

get to

know us

We exist to bridge the gap between technical talent and client-facing excellence through mentorship, skill-building, and real-world enablement.

Whether you're pivoting into tech, refining your professional presence, or leveling up in your career, we meet you where you are—and equip you with the tools, community, and mindset to go further.

This isn’t generic career advice. This is tailored, tactical guidance designed to help you accelerate with purpose.

See What We Do

Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions *

  • At its core, Sales Engineering is the art of solving customer problems with technology. A Sales Engineer (SE) is a technical expert who works with sales teams to understand a customer's unique business challenges and demonstrate exactly how a product or service can provide a solution.

    Think of an SE as the technical bridge between a product's capabilities and a customer's needs. They combine deep product knowledge with excellent communication skills to build trust and prove value. It's a highly rewarding career for anyone who loves both technology and helping people

  • You’re in the right place! While a career in Sales Engineering requires a blend of technical and interpersonal skills, a formal background in either is not always a prerequisite. Many successful SEs started their careers in other fields and learned the necessary skills on the job.

    To begin your journey, we recommend a three-step approach:

    1. Do Your Research: Start by learning the fundamentals of the role. Explore our free resources and blog posts, which break down what a Sales Engineer does, the skills needed for success, and the day-to-day life of an SE.

    2. Learn from the Best: Follow and engage with top Sales Engineers on platforms like LinkedIn. Our founder, Shanikqua Burks, regularly shares personal insights and actionable advice on navigating the pre-sales world.

    3. Build Your Foundation: Focus on developing one or two core technical skills in a domain you're passionate about, whether that's networking, cloud computing, or cybersecurity. At the same time, join professional communities to hone your presentation and communication skills.

    By taking these steps, you’ll be able to build a solid foundation and identify where to invest your time and energy. When you're ready to accelerate your progress, explore our paid mentorship and training programs.

  • We’re excited that you want to connect! P.A.T.H. was founded on the principle of mentorship and community support, and we offer several ways to engage with our team:

    1. Mentorship & Coaching: For personalized, one-on-one guidance, our paid coaching sessions provide tailored support to help you create and achieve your career goals.→ [Learn More and Book a Session Here]


    2. Peer Mentorship & Community Programs: Through our non-profit initiatives, including the SE Accelerator Cohort, you can gain hands-on experience and mentorship from industry peers.→ [Learn More and Apply Here]

    3. Stay Connected: For updates on upcoming programs, events, and opportunities to connect with our mentors, follow us on social media and join our mailing list.

  • While Sales Engineering is typically a mid-level career, our SE Accelerator Workshop is designed for individuals with professional experience. However, we recognize that new talent is also critical.

    P.A.T.H. LLC offers one-on-one coaching and mentorship to help recent graduates create a personalized career plan and develop the foundational skills necessary for success. We recommend this tailored approach to help bridge the gap from academia to the professional world.

    We encourage you to explore our one-on-one coaching options to get started on your unique path.

  • No, prior experience is not required to apply for the SE Accelerator Cohort, and it will not impact the decision on your application.

    However, having a foundational understanding of either sales or technology will help you get ahead of the learning curve and truly maximize your experience during the program. The workshop's fast-paced, hands-on curriculum is designed to build on existing knowledge. Therefore, we encourage applicants to have a strong interest and be prepared for an immersive learning environment.

    In short, your motivation and eagerness to learn are the most important qualifications. We're here to help you bridge the gap and build the skills you need.

  • The SE Accelerator Cohort is designed to provide you with the essential skills and real-world experience needed to excel in Sales Engineering. You will participate in a hands-on curriculum focused on both the technical and interpersonal aspects of the role.

    Specifically, you can expect to learn how to:

    1. Deliver impactful product demonstrations and presentations that resonate with a business audience.

    2. Translate complex technical solutions into tangible business value.

    3. Master the art of technical discovery, uncovering customer pain points with precision.

    4. Prepare for and ace your SE interviews, including technical and soft-skills assessments.

    Beyond the core curriculum, you will gain invaluable peer mentorship, hands-on practice, and access to a supportive community to help you successfully break into or grow within the field.

  • Thank you for taking this important step in your career! Your application has been submitted and is now being reviewed by our dedicated team.

    The next step is to confirm you have received a confirmation email for your application. Please check your inbox and spam or promotions folders—so you don't miss any updates regarding your status.

    We look forward to the possibility of helping you on your unique path to success!

  • While no program can guarantee a role, the SE Accelerator Workshop is designed to give you a significant advantage in the job market. We focus on equipping you with the practical skills, industry knowledge, and connections that can dramatically improve your chances of success.

    Our goal is to ensure you have the tools to pursue your career goals confidently. Many of our past participants have found that the knowledge, hands-on practice, and community support gained through the cohort were instrumental in helping them land their first role.

  • You’re not alone. It's common for even the most seasoned professionals to reach a point where they are ready for a new challenge, whether that's advancing into leadership, specializing in a new technology, or transitioning to a different role like Solutions Architecture. Stagnation is often a signal that it's time to intentionally invest in your professional growth.

    At P.A.T.H., we offer two distinct pathways to help you move forward:

    1. SE Accelerator Cohort: Designed for a group setting, this intensive program helps you refine your core skills, learn from peers facing similar challenges, and get a fresh perspective on your career trajectory. It’s an excellent option for those who want a structured and collaborative approach to upskilling.

    → Learn more about the SE Accelerator Cohort here.

    2. One-on-One Coaching: For those seeking a highly personalized and tailored approach, our paid coaching services provide a direct path to your goals. Our expert mentors work with you to create a clear, customized plan that breaks through stagnation, builds your brand, and positions you for higher-impact roles.

    → Explore our tailored coaching services here.

  • The ability to build relationships, uncover needs, and communicate value is a core competency in the world of Sales Engineering. Your next step is to pair that expertise with a solid technical foundation.

    At P.A.T.H., we offer two ways to support you in building those skills:

    SE Accelerator Workshop

    A free, cohort-based program focused on the technical side of the pre-sales process. You’ll gain hands-on experience that strengthens your technical credibility in a collaborative setting.

    → Learn more here

    One-on-One Coaching

    A paid, personalized option for those who want to move faster. Our mentors help you identify key technical skills for your target industry, build a tailored learning plan, and guide your career transition.

    → Explore coaching here

  • We're excited that you want to connect! The most direct and effective way to engage with our team and community is by joining one of our programs. This ensures you get dedicated support and access to our expert mentors.

    1. For a hands-on, collaborative experience:

    Learn more about the SE Accelerator Cohort, our free program for aspiring Sales Engineers, and apply to join a future cohort. → Learn more here

    2. For personalized, one-on-one guidance:

    Explore our paid coaching services that are tailored to your unique career goals.

    → Learn more here

    For general news and updates on future events, we encourage you to follow us on social media and join our mailing list.

  • Our ideal candidate is a proactive problem solver with a genuine passion for both technology and helping others. They are naturally curious and enjoy simplifying complex topics for others. Most importantly, our ideal candidate is someone who understands that Sales Engineering is as much about building trust as it is about building technical solutions.

  • Applications for the next SE Accelerator Cohort open September 1, 2025. We encourage early applicants to take advantage of our discounted application fee.

    Key dates to remember:

    1. Early-bird Application Period: September 1, 2025 – September 26, 2025 ($25 fee)

    2. Standard Application Period: After September 26, 2025 – October 23, 2025 ($50 fee)

    3. Application Deadline: October 23, 2025, at 11:59 pm

    We look forward to reviewing your application and supporting your growth as a future Sales Engineer. Be sure to submit on time, as late applications will not be considered.

  • The application fee does not guarantee acceptance into the SE Accelerator Workshop. It is intended to cover the administrative costs of our dedicated team, who thoughtfully review each application to ensure a high-quality cohort experience for everyone.

    The fee is non-refundable, as it helps us manage the application process and provide an equitable experience for all applicants.

  • You'll be notified of your application status via email on December 16, 2025.

    We're just as excited as you are, so please be sure to check your inbox–including your spam and promotions folders- so you don't miss the update. If you still haven't received an email by December 17, 2025, please reach out to us directly by emailing us at info@pathcoaching.org for assistance.

  • Yes, you will!

    Upon successful completion of the workshop, you will be awarded an official certificate of completion. This certificate is a testament to your hard work and is designed to be a valuable asset. You can proudly add it to your LinkedIn profile, resume, and portfolio to showcase your skills and commitment to the field.

free Sales Engineer

Starter Guide

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