SV Academy

Just like many learners when I first saw SV Academy I was intrigued yet skeptical but I decided to call, and a recruiter explained the process and I signed up I must say that it was one of the best decisions I ever made because I entered a field that I didn't know existed. Now that I have completed SV Academy I have multiple offers that I can pursue at a higher than average income and I am able to work from home!

Man, what can I say other than this is an experience that will change you. Being able to go through SVA, not only helps you understand what tools you need to be successful in SaaS but how to build the connections that will help you be successful in any field. I loved my PM, my peers, and the overall experience. If you want to make a change in your life, joining SVA will do it for you. You'll have to put in the work but it'll be worth it in the end. 

What sets SV apart is its passionate efforts to completely transform lives and create infinite positive ripple effects by doing so.  While applicants are initially drawn to its programs for training and support to enter non-coding roles in tech (Sales and CS), what they actually receive is far above and beyond!  From intensive personal branding and professional portfolio development... to next-level emotional intelligence work and opportunities to improve collaboration, SV truly pours into its students like a caring friend, teacher, mentor, coach, or parent.  In fact, every cohort is offered a selection of independent professionals in tech who provide (6) 1-hour mentoring sessions in addition to the SV course and staff support.  And once hired, every grad is offered a full-year of professional career coaching to support their success in their new role.  In terms of tech stack, on the CS side, you are introduced to Salesforce, Gainsight, GSuite, Loom, and Slack.  On the SDR side, Salesloft, InsideView, LinkedIn Sales Navigator, Salesforce, GSuite, Loom, and Slack.  I just completed the program and know that job search support awaits me as well as career coaching once I land my new role.  Our awesome mentor even offered to continue supporting us!  Lastly, I'll be joining a distinguished group of over 1000 Alumni across the country... and if my time in the program is any indication, I suspect they're all incredibly talented individuals who are willing to support one another and keep championing the SV Mission to democratize access to opportunities in tech... and ultimately make the world a better place!  Eternal thanks to Rahim, Joel, and the entire SV Team!  Keep doing what you do!

I have around 3 years of experience in tech sales and was later transitioned into an operations role. I got laid off due to covid and had to look for new opportunities. I faced rejection after rejection in both sales and operations roles. I had a gap in my sales resume when I transitioned into an operations role. Sales managers who evaluate you during the interview process want a candidate that has no intervals between his previous sales roles. I could not land an operations role because most interviewers look for experience. I have about one year of experience of being an operations manager. Interviewers desire candidates to sometimes have 3-5 years of experience for this role. Hence I was facing rejection for both sales and operations roles. 

After facing countless rejections I decided to join SV academy which sharpened up my sales skills and interview skills to jump back into the tech world. I decided to move back because as a previous SDR I realized I enjoy the hunt a lot more than the kill. SV academy reinstalled qualities in me which I lost in my previous role and company. Qualities such as active listening and how to be empathic. All the resources and teachings are provided by SV academy. It's up to you whether or not you want to embrace the qualities needed to become a successful SDR. The instructors teach well and answer any questions you have on a timely basis. Rahim the respected CEO is heavily involved in your journey of becoming an SDR. His stories are inspiring and will only inspire you more to reach your goal. 

The only Con I felt like I experienced was the job hunt or job assistance. I desired some companies from the network to reach out to me. My opinion is it varies from person to person. My final verdict is to get enrolled in this program to break into the tech world!

I am so elated that I've found a program like SV Academy. This opportunity is rare and is so helpful for the tech industry but also life in general. The SV staff is definitely amongst the best; they lead from the heart always. This course is completely worth the hard work, time and energy you put in it. This is so special. I am leaving with new skills, friends and amazing memories. Thank you so much Rahim and Joel. 

SV Academy taught me how to become more trusting and vulnerable in my personal life by shifting my mindset, pushing through self-inflicted boundaries, broadening my view on how to assert myself in the world. I have learned how to develop and polish my professional skillset by becoming an emotionally intelligent leader. This experience has changed my whole life and I look forward to evolving even more as a leader in the SaaS industry!

I knew from the start that SV Academy was going to be a good fit for me and my career.  Even when others tried to deter me from signing up for SV Academy, I followed my gut instinct.  I'm glad I did because exactly 1 month after graduation, I landed a job of my dreams!  The program is very challenging and at times, I wanted to give up.  If it were not for the support of SV Academy instructors, I would not be here today writing this review.  SV Academy delivered on their promise of getting me a job in the tech industry as long as I made an effort to meet them halfway.  This is not a scam or a waste of your time.  SV Academy has improved my life and the direction of my career in only one month.

I felt like if I could break into tech, I could make more money. I also thought I could find a company culture that was better suited to my values and more ‘human-focused.’ But I didn’t know how to get in. 
Before SV Academy, I didn’t really understand what ‘tech’ was looking for. SV helped me figure it out. 
I came to SV with almost a decade of experience selling to executives. In my work in Architecture/Engineering/Construction, I sold eight-figure deals to billionaires. Despite having some sales experience and talent, I did not feel confident transitioning into ‘tech.’ 
SV helped me understand what companies are really seeking – willingness to learn and grow; grit and work ethic. They taught me to showcase those in interviews and leverage them for growth once I found a role.
SV will teach you the relevant tech stack tools and give you the latest thinking in SaaS sales, but they will also give you the edge to get hired and find success in your role. 

The SV courses on emotional intelligence and interview storytelling combine with live small group workshops to develop your skills beyond the tech tools. SV changed my understanding of what was valuable about my own experience and skillset in a way that was transformational for my career. 
With the SV coaching, I had more interview success than I’ve ever had in my life. Recruiters, managers, and executives were profuse with praise and respect for the approach to SDR work that SV helped me develop. 
I received three job offers within a week of graduating. Within hours of graduating I had been offered a role with my top target that also included a full tuition reimbursement. 
Beyond curating students, SV curated employer partners that were invested in our success and valued the training SV provides. I felt that I had dozens of top-tier options available to me. 
Beyond the direct employer connections, I quickly found that SV graduates are spread throughout the tech landscape and I found champions and supporters within multiple companies through the SV network. 
SV academy helped me transform my professional life, provided lucrative job opportunities, and also gave me about a dozen friends that I think I will have for many years. The relationships our cohort formed were substantial and critical to my success. 
For me, it's impossible to put a price on the experience of belonging and participating in the SV Academy community. There’s no free lunch, but this meal is worth the price.

SV Academy prepares you for the SaaS space with soft and hard skills. Many of you reading are looking to make a career change or to get a leg-up in this industry and are wondering if SVA is legit. I’ll tell you upfront:
It is.
Before applying, I was lurking through these reviews looking for rational reasons to take the chance on something like this. The key piece of advice I picked up was that you get what you put in. 
A highlight of the program is a week-long internship where you will be utilizing the tools that many people in this industry are using. This alone gives you an edge when interviewing after graduating. 
The coursework is heavy but you’ll manage. All coursework is engaging and relevant. Everyone (including fellow-mates) are incredibly supportive. The career transition team is also amazing, and I owe them a lot of gratitude in checking in with me throughout my interview processes and well-being. 
I will conclude with the following: oftentimes, motivation comes after action. I challenge you to take the first step in applying to this wonderful fellowship. I hope this alone brings a momentum of positive decisions in your life. 
Oh. I landed a job about 2-3 weeks after graduating SV. Not all of you will land something so quickly (some of you will beat that!) but I truly believe that anyone that comes out of SVA WILL find a position where they can make an impact. 

Pros
The most helpful parts of this program are the:
Program & Classroom Assignments: I got a really good feel of the curriculum and the knowledge I would need to be successful in CS. The information was sufficiently organized and succinct to where if you wanted to learn more, there was no end. The challenge of the assignments prepares you and makes you feel confident that you can do the job.
Slack Communication: The connections I made at SVA were so invaluable to my career growth. I would say this is one of the most important aspects of SV because you realize you are not alone.
Tech tools: Gainsight was the tool that got my foot in the door at my current job.
To be an SV Fellow means to take on all the knowledge and support from SVA and use it in your career and pass it on to other learners.
I have yet to start working at my job but my biggest win is my confidence in that I can do the job.

Cons 
I would probably set better expectations for the job hunt and let people know how much they have to take into their own hands. Jobs are not just handed to you and they have to be taken by force at times. By that, I mean, learners should realize their own strength and power in getting a career in tech. No challenges so far but I know that I can face them head-on.


Advice 
I feel that SVA is great for people who take full advantage of what is offered. I look forward to the mentorship community and I like how SV sets expectations for week 1 and does not charge for the first week of the course. I would just reinforce to students that it is them investing in themselves and SVA is trusting that they will do so in good faith. 

SVA's mission is admirable and its instructors care about your success. It's set up in such a way that you have the resources and network at your disposal to help you get your foot in the door in tech. Like any other program though, It's up to you to be hungry and to use it accordingly. Overall, I had a great experience with SVA. I came out knowledgeable about customer success, with new certifications, and confident that I was able to speak the lingo during interviews with tech companies. I also came out with friends in the industry that I otherwise would not have met, which is a plus.

 I would just caution you that if you are considering the CS program, please understand that 1) the CS program is still new and so it hasn't been perfected, and 2) the job search portion is totally in your hands! Unlike the SDR program, you will not be placed (for now anyway--SVA is working on making this a reality). During admissions, I was given the impression that I would be placed, which was in large part my reason for going with SVA. This wasn't the case, and that was clarified during my first week. That being said, we still received other forms of support with the search (and again, it's up to you to be hungry enough to use them as necessary for you).

This is a great opportunity--not to have your hand held through your transition but to invest in/bet on yourself. If that's what you're looking for, I'd def recommend it.

The program was long and arduous, which was communicated from the start. But along the way: we leaned on our peers (through a fostered collaborative environment), learned to combat fixed mindset with growth mindset practices, fine-tuned our interview skills,and practiced cold outreach through a week-long internship.In the end, we were introduced to a network of companies/employers and received support through the job search process. 

Areas of improvement include managing the growing pains associated with the organization (hyper-focus on numbers and metrics), and incorporating more live role-plays within the curriculum

The best thing I got from SV was being immersed in an environment that demanded work ethic, social skills, tech skills and a gritty, versatile attitude. They made it clear that the opportunities are out there, but it was up to us put in the work and be the stewards of our own careers, keeping ourselves motivated and directing our own learning to fill the gaps in our knowledge. 
That said, I met a lot of great and inspiring people in my four weeks there, and without them I don't know if I would have made it. It was this balance of community and self-reliance that empowered me to make this transition from flower delivery guy to an SDR in the tech industry. 

My experience with SV Academy was nothing but amazing! I applied and was accepted into the full-time SDR program which was 4 weeks and included a week long internship. It was intense and I had to continue working full-time on the weekends only. However, the courses, assignments and instructors give you a solid foundation and a wealth of knowledge. 

  Your instructors and program managers, and Cohort members want you to succeed and are always there to guide and help you. The internship was the best part and it is when everything comes together and you're able to put the tools you used into action. They help you with your resume and LinkedIn profile. I landed a full-time remote job within 3 weeks of the program ending and I owe it all to SV Academy. 

Everything in the course that was taught from day one is extremely relevant to the role. I was surprised to see how much has transferred over. My interviewing process was seamless since I already had an understanding of what the Sales development role would be. Before I entered the program I had an initial idea of the the company that I would interview with, so i didn't really get to dive too far into the network that is offered. I loved the idea of having support even after we enter our new roles. I will say, if you know this is what you want to pursue then this is a great fellowship for you to attend. 

SV Academy has been career and life-changing. I signed up for the program back in July 2018 after deciding to change careers. My previous profession was as an auditor for the big four accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), which lasted two years. Though I enjoyed my experience as an auditor, I decided I needed a career change that would allow me to use more of my people skills. Emerged SV Academy, where I went through a three-month business development boot camp, which led to an Enterprise Business Development Representative role at SurveyMonkey in October 2018. I was a BDR for one year and three months before being promoted to an SMB Account Executive and eventually a Mid-Market Account Executive. As of November 2021, I'm working as an Account Executive for Pilot.com, a company providing financial back-office services. My new venture will enable me to leverage my accounting skills from PwC and sales skills gained through my experience at SV Academy and SurveyMonkey. For this reason, SV Academy has been career and life-changing. 

I quite literally stumbled upon SV Academy. I was in my very last month of Pharmacy School, and I knew I wanted to pivot into the tech space, but I just did not know how. This program is well run, has amazing program managers, easy access to the CEO, and priceless information that puts you ahead of your competition. Furthermore, your interview committee really goes to bat for you when it comes to getting you hired and prepping you for interviews.

Before I went through SV Academy, I wasn't fully aware of the opportunity available in tech. The SDR model is a relatively new phenomenon, and the SaaS industry has tremendous potential for growth, but the main way to get a job as an SDR was through referral and networking. My social network was nonexistent, so without SV Academy, the prospect of me getting a job as an SDR was extremely slim.

The structure of SV Academy is set up so no one will be disappointed. If you go through the course and still can't get a job after 6 months, you owe nothing for tuition. That part of the deal really minimizes the risk. This program is great for a motivated go-getter. The kind of person who would do best in this role is someone who is fearless when it comes to meeting new people, learning new skills, and receiving critical feedback.

The job search and the core SDR job both have a lot in common. You deal with a lot of rejection, and they put you through the wringer. So I would encourage anyone who feels under pressure not to give up but learn and do better. When I finally got my job, my recruiter and manager said they chose me for the pattern he saw in me and other SV Academy graduates and for the confidence they saw in me. They chose to hire me not for my previous experience, but for my networking skills.

I applied to the course on a whim, without knowing what it was going to do for my life. Fast-forward 2 years: I'm making the most money I've ever made (now over 6 figures), absolutely love my company, have been promoted several times, and feel extremely confident in the work I do.

I was in the lucky Cohort 29 that finished the course in Feb '20-right as the pandemic hit the states. This definitely threw off many of my peers in their search for a job; however, I was lucky enough to land a job with an incredible company as an SDR! I also had received another job offer and was actively interviewing with two other companies. I think the main thing SVA did was set me up for success with interviews and understanding how to pick a solid company and team.

The training was intense and definitely unlike anything I had done before. I felt adequately prepared after leaving the course as to what my job was to be. This area could definitely be improved (and it probably has been) as the actual sales calls we made weren't super helpful and I would have liked more hands-on prospecting. Overall, the training was a quick and dirty entry into sales. 

The most impactful part of the course was networking with my colleagues. The people who get accepted to this program are the top-of-the-class, group-leaders, and forward-thinking individuals you try to keep up with! I still remain in contact with many of my peers and my mentor (several I got to meet IRL).

Seriously, apply. It's an opportunity of a lifetime.

Suppose you're anything like me scouring Course Report to see if this program is legit. I'm telling you right now this is the best decision you can make for future you. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at SV Academy. It's a well-run program from top to bottom. SV Academy sets you up with tools to break into the tech industry. I was able to land a job and had a tremendous response rate and multiple offers from companies. So take that chance, and I'll see you on the other side! 

Hands down the best career decision I've made this far! SV Academy is overall a fantastic community to be involved in. I really enjoyed the 8-week program where I felt included and welcomed from day 1. The live and interactive internship included in the program with a real tech company is definitely a win-win. I would recommend SV Academy to anyone who wants a new career change and to get their foot in the door for a fulfilling path in the tech industry. The mentors and instructors are extremely helpful and consistent in their connection with you. The list of employer partners SV is partnered with is super exciting. Many of them are willing to pay the majority, if not all, of your tuition when you land your first role. Five stars!! :)

I was introduced to SV Academy by my niece. I was at that working two jobs, barely making enough money to taking of my family. I was skeptical about the program at first, but I still applied.  During the program, I met many kind-hearted people looking to change their lives with the training from SV Academy and the mentorships from the different career coaches. 

I have to say, with just one job, I've was able to double my income. I have the confidence to go after my dreams. I am currently working on my project, and I have time for my family and money to take care of their needs. I am so thankful to have been a part of SV Academy. Any who's thinking about joining the SV Academy program. I will say do it and watch your life change for the better. 

Before SV Academy, I was no stranger to sales and marketing, but my previous experience wasn’t translating into interviews with tech startups. All of that changed within a matter of weeks at SV.  I went from wanting to be in tech sales to being flooded with interview requests and multiple job offers from companies I was thrilled to work with before the last day of my fellowship even ended.
I wholeheartedly credit my success at landing the position I did to the strength of the program. And I wasn’t alone--it’s been great to witness my peers from SV Academy be fast-tracked to promotion.
Tech sales can be a difficult world to access, but SV Academy’s commitment to democratization is serious business. This goes for how their tuition is structured, too: if you don’t get a job, you don’t pay.  There are also partial and full scholarships available from SV’s employer partners, and SV has a history of financing lower credit students off their own bank account, to try and help as many learners as possible. 
Pros:  SV will set you up with the skills you need to thrive in tech sales (cold calls & emails, standard tools in the tech stack, emotional intelligence, interview preparation, and more). SV Academy also offers a year of mentorship from experienced professionals in the field and a highly motivated and diverse network of learners who remain colleagues and friends long after the training has ended.
Cons: Not a con, but SV requires a serious time and energy commitment, even in the part-time program. My teammates and I spent many all-nighters reviewing coursework and working to finish our group projects on time. SV Academy provides instruction and support, but your success is dependent on the effort you invest in the program.

My time at SVA has been very intense. They go through A LOT of information fast. The instructors are always willing to help with any questions or reservations and they are quite knowledgeable. There is a lot of work and it takes time, but it pays off big when looking for your first gig. The interview prep, combined with the different software you need to learn, mush it all together with the internship for a real company; and you have a plethora tools at your fingertips for starting in the Tech industry. Do it.

I enjoyed my time at SV Academy. You get a lot of information and a short amount of time so take notes. The class work is rigorous and I learned a lot. The instructors are there to help you every step of the way, however, It seems like they are overextended at times. The instructors really do care. Be responsible and accountable. You’re  not always going to get high quality individual focus unless you book time to speak with an instructor. They may take a day or two to get back to you. I recommend this program to anyone who has tried to break into tech, and failed due to lack of experience. As soon as I put SV Academy and Talend on my résumé, recruiter came  beating down my door, so the speak, via LinkedIn. Of course, I have extensive  experience in sales in marketing, but I know that having SV academy on my resume is attracting these high paying SaaS job recruiters. I have 4 offers on the table right now. The mentorship is a key component to getting a job as well. I highly recommend that you vet your mentor prior to accepting them. A couple of my classmates were matched with a terrible mentor who constantly cancel the appointment and wasn’t of help at all. It’s almost like he did not prioritize this volunteer role. Also, I have not heard from the career success team at all. That kind is kind of bothersome. Do your research and ask questions.    Overall, this Academy is amazing and will train you how to excel as an SDR. After you master that position you’re able to move around In Tech. This program is for those who are motivated to learn to maintain a growth mindset. SV Academy is filled with a wonderful team of bright, talented, caring, and professional humans who are here to help you succeed in landing a high paying role in tech. But it all starts with you. I really appreciate the transparency in the organization.

Another note - there is a 2K finance charge to the living stipend that sometimes they forget to mention.

SV Academy is a uniquely progressive experience of immediate application of what you are learning and preparation for imminent employment.  The coursework with interactive videos, the introduction of tools and simulated real-life application through the internship, helped me feel much more prepared. I am moved by the intentional mandate of assisting more people of color access the skills and tools to be better able to gain entry into the tech industry through SV Academy's hundreds of company partners. 

 I especially enjoyed learning the self rebranding processes and the use of LinkedIn for both personal and work-related applications. It does require a lot of self-discipline and commitment to get through the materials and assignments on time.  I actually started the coursework a week ahead of the actual starting time for the course as I reviewed the curriculum ahead of time and decided to get a head start as I wanted to get through the information quickly.  I was also starting a new job so decided to manage my time better.  

The staff and managers I have worked with so far are awesome and very responsive and supportive.  The mentorship program is great too as I am enjoying learning from a VP of Sales at one of the top companies globally in the User Generated Content Software space and so his immediate life experience and coaching are invaluable. I wish I had found SV Academy a lot sooner to redirect my career, but I also believe that nothing is a coincidence and God's timing is always on time.  Grateful for the opportunity and looking forward to growing a career in the tech industry starting as an SDR.

SV Academy has made a profound impact in such a short time. My 4 weeks in the program have been intense but well worth it. I love the way everyone was encouraged to navigate the world as their authentic selves. Even teaching us to be mindful and take time to ourselves for work life balance. Not to mention to hands on insight and training throughout various workshops and internship, teaching us the tools and hands on experience needed to succeed in the SDR role. SV Academy has provided us with the launching pad necessary to break into the tech world.