Fellowship

SV ACADEMY Review 

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 provided me with an excellent resource to pivot my career to Customer Success - through expert instructor guidance, various industry events and guest speakers, as well as an incredible mentorship program. 

SV Academy has helped me not only professionally, but personally as well. They drop so many gems on how to successfully enter the tech field and the program directors do a wonderful job with feedback. You have to be coachable and willing to receive feedback. If you’re ready to change your life and start making a 6 figure salary, apply TODAY! 

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.

SV Academy offers a unique approach to online studies.  The program managers to the CEOs, career coaches to the alumni, everyone is completely devoted toward positioning you for success.Although I have an extensive sales background, SVA enhanced soft skills that increased my sales.  The classes force you to step outside of your comfort zone and find a creative approach to reach your desired goals.  Since the program offers hands-on experience to test those new skillsets, the level of comfortability from student to sales professional is a seamless transition.  It's not until you take a step back to think of your mindset on the first day do you realize how far you've come in the last 4-8 weeks (depending on if you're a full-time or part-time  student). It's definitely a certification program that is recommend anyone looking to change career paths to consider. 

I had a wonderful experience with SV Academy. The program managers were on target with everything they taught us in cohort 51. I am now on to the next step in my career thanks to SV. 

Nearly a year later I still meet weekly with my cohort members, exchanging recipes, trading war stories, offering and receiving advice... I did not know that I could succeed in a business environment, let alone SaaS tech. SV Academy (gently) held my feet to the fire, coached me, prepared me, and let me shine by my own light. I would do it again, and again, and again—but I won't have to, because I already got my foot in the door and am a living, breathing, participant in the tech space... exactly like they promised.While I started out as an SDR for a Medtech company in SoCal, I've now segued into copywriting and marketing for an EdTech firm in the Bay Area, and its' bliss. If you're competitive, persistent, and motivated: DO THIS PROGRAM! :)

I was a member of the SDR53 cohort. Someone whom has some 5 years of work experience within the legal and sales field. I found that this opportunity was something that provided great resolve and building great foundational blocks for the role ahead. I find it be a great bootcamp that has the resources for you to move into the new level. I am more than excited to be completing this program. It has given empowerment of softskills, hardskills, metrics, conversations and community. I am appreciative of the opportunity as I tackle my next steps into applying for my new role within the technology industry. 

This forward-thinking program teaches skills for a rewarding career, provides a supportive network to help its students navigate the world of tech while instilling the emotional intelligence and training needed to succeed in the tech sales industry!  This program provides a great support network that is dedicated to making sure its students succeed! I'm just starting as a student. As a prospective student, be mindful that the program does require a strong work ethic and proactive mindset to excel. 

Pre-SVA me:  SkepticPost-SVA me:  Total acolyte of SVABy far, the most grueling, exhilarating, rewarding, enervating, transformational learning experience I have ever gone through.  SVA will not only teach you the skills you will need to prepare you to break into the tech industry, they will also teach you the life skills to make it a well-rounded experience.  For so long, the workforce has been acclimated to the compartmentalization of career and personal life.  SVA teaches you how to approach that you do not have to choose which area to thrive in.  You can have both.  The mindfulness approach to a career, the embracing of the commitments of Conscious Leadership are just the tip of the iceberg to prepare you for your career in tech.  With skilled and empathetic, talented and unique program managers, each of their skills and expertise completely complementary of one another, every day in class was chock-full of information.  The program managers are the best.  They know the field and they know how to teach it at a level that everyone will understand.  They are open and accessible, supportive and empathetic.  Everything that a learner will need to go through a life-changing course like SDR course in SVA.  The curriculum, though excellent and comprehensive, felt like the least of what I had to learn.  The program managers exemplified and practiced what they thought.  They love what they do and you can see it with the way they care for their learners.  The staff of SVA, especially the visibility and participation of Rahim (the founder) in a leaner's journey, for me was the cherry on top.  Where else would you find a busy founder still find time to interact, share, and teach learners?  The support that I felt in that community is tremendous.  The school is not afraid of feedback.  They take feedback and examine it, always finding ways to improve.  And it is just getting better.  I was looking for a career shift and what I found was a life transformation.  It's by far one of the best decisions I have ever made.  

I came into this program with a vague understanding of how to utilize my personal life and professional work experience. I realize now I was pretty much lost when it came to knowing how to apply everything I've done in the past and apply them to my future endeavors. I have always been insecure about the quality of my linkedIn, resume, cover letter, and narrative. This is the first time in my life that I can display all of these components with pride and confidence. I have SV to thank for that. SV didn’t just tell us how to restructure and re-draft our documents, they literally taught us how to be a walking talking example of everything we have learned in life. SV academy gave me an opportunity to prove myself to myself. They not only gave me the tools to succeed in a specific industry but also taught me how to analyze multiple past versions of myself and how to pick the best qualities of each version. Up until now I feel like I have been running in circles trying to find a career path. This program has finally given me the ability to see clearly. I now have short term, mid term, and long term goals and am excited to finally be able to pursue them. I now have a very solid set of skills that will never leave my arsenal. 

I did the 12 week program, it taught me the basics of the SDR role and the most important part was the mental. Once I graduated, they helped me to land a great position! 

My situation was a bit complicated since I found a sales position within a week or so of graduating from the program but due to unfortunate personal circumstances, I had to leave my job less than a month in and take some time off. While the program itself was a great experience that left me feeling prepared for a position in tech sales, the support for fellows who already started working was not the best. Within my group, I think only 2 (not including myself) out of around 6 or 7 people continued the biweekly meetings. The "pay nothing until you're consistently making at least 45k a year" also became a lot more complicated than it should have been, as they keep hounding me for payments still even after I proved that my income has fallen below that line... Not sure if that is directly because of SV Academy or due to Stride (the payment service they use), but either way it was very stressful since I already had complicated personal matters to deal with.

The "CS You" program is an intense month of training and self-reflection.  I'm sure one aspect or another will be a challenge but, you will gain practical knowledge of the work of Customer Success within the SaaS industry and discover your unique value proposition.  The job hunt is competitive, and SV Academy's tools will prepare you to stand out.  Everyone involved will have your back if you put in the work because they reflect the growth mindset that's encouraged.  As a perpetual student, I can say with some authority that SV Academy is doing it right.  I applaud the audacious goal to diversify the tech industry, let alone their success in establishing a virtual community that grows stronger with each graduating cohort.  

SV Academy gave me an opportunity to change my life, but it is not for everyone. It is a rigorous, fast-paced, and trying course. It is not the place where you will coast to the end. With that being said, if you are looking for a community that will support you, push you, and connects with you, SV Academy is where you want to be. The course gives you a taste of what the start-up world can be like, providing you with tools and experience so you can get your foot in the door. Along with a supportive and inclusive community to help you along your journey, SV Academy puts you out of your comfort zone so you can grow quickly. The program managers are friendly and knowledgeable. There is an emphasis on a holistic approach to learning including emotional intelligence, domain expertise, and self-care so learners are as well-rounded and prepared as possible. My biggest takeaway was leveraging how to make connections and my professional brand. For someone else, it may be tech guidance and for another, it could be EQ coaching. The point is: there is a lot to learn that impacts each individual differently, but it helps them be their best selves. What you get out of SVA, is what you put into it. There are hundreds of graduates that are ready to connect and share their learnings with you. If you are ready to make a change in your life and are ready to jump in with both feet, you will succeed. Pros:- Community- Trainings- Carreer Coaches and Mentors- Tough- Not for the faint of heartCons: (If you can call it cons)- Requires Drive- Favors independence - Favors the prepare 

To get the most out of your experience with SV Academy, you must go in with an open mind. When I began my journey with SVA, I realized that this was going to be hard work. But the best part about this is that it will open doors to opportunities I would otherwise not have. SVA taught me how to navigate the world of tech with experienced mentors, leaders, and trainers. The coursework was always very engaging and instructors would be open to feedback. SV Academy helps you with your job search and makes sure to give you the tools you need to succeed in your new job. Three years ago I was at a job that was barely over 50k and now I'm trending to hit 100k for the first time in my life. I would highly recommend SVA to anyone thinking about a career change or to start their professional career in sales. 

SV Academy is on a noble mission to increase diversity in tech and enable people from non-traditional backgrounds to enter, and excel, in the fastest growing industry on earth. The program is extremely well thought out and executed with enormous professionalism. The instructors, managers, and mentors are all wonderful people, with great energy, authenticity, and expert know-how. Let me tell you though: IT IS TOUGH! Not for the faint of heart or the uncommitted. If you are determined and just need an opportunity to prove yourself, this program is for you! If you are unsure and just want to "see how it goes," you will not make it past the first day. If you give it your all, it will change your life—I highly recommend it!

I really enjoyed the experience because it pushed me outside of my comfort zone. The program is structured in a way where different learning types can benefit from the program from reading, listening, and hands on Mentorship. The programrequires you to be dedicated but if you are you will definitely reap the rewards!

Amazing experience at SV Academy! The way the course is structured is similar to that of an SDR role. Everything they said would happen from interviewing to the role itself happened and I was fully prepared for it all. Thanks you SV!