Transitioning through different roles in your career can be both exciting and challenging, especially when each step builds on the last in unexpected ways. For me, the journey from intern to packaging engineer and eventually to sales engineer has been a testament to the value of hands-on experience, adaptability, and seizing opportunities when they arise. Each role has shaped my skill set, pushed me to grow, and helped me discover new passions within the packaging industry. In this blog, I’ll share my story – the lessons I’ve learned, the challenges I’ve faced, and how these transitions have impacted my personal and professional growth.
I began my career at Packaging Compliance Labs (PCL) as their first intern in 2016. At that time, we didn’t have lab technicians, so my role was pretty hands-on, much like what our technicians do today. I managed every aspect lab projects from start to finish, from receiving items all the way through testing and reporting. I was lucky to have this opportunity to work on physical testing independently, and I even got to work side by side with some of our package engineers on a few projects. Those early days in the lab were foundational; they allowed me to understand every stage of the process.
After graduation, I was hired as a full-time packaging engineer, where I took on more project-based work. My experience as an intern proved invaluable here. I’d seen countless packaging designs go through the lab, see what worked and what didn’t when packages were dropped or put through rigorous testing. This hands-on exposure helped me become a better engineer – I understood how to design packaging that could withstand real-world conditions because I’d been the one to put it to the test.
The leap into sales engineering came with its challenges, but my technical background was a huge advantage. The hardest part of technical sales is understanding all the nuances of the services we offer, but with my experience in the lab and as a packaging engineer, I had that knowledge. The biggest challenge, though, was learning to adapt my language to my audience. In sales, I can’t always talk like an engineer; not all customers are packaging experts and sometimes they have never worked on a packaging project. I’ve had to learn how to explain complex requirements in simple terms. On the other hand, some clients want in-depth technical details. Adapting my communication style based on the client’s needs has been a skill I’ve developed over time.
Switching to sales also meant I had to adjust to a new workflow. In engineering, projects can last years, with pauses along the way. In sales, though, I have to be ready to work fast and keep things moving to meet different goals and KPIs. I’m often juggling opportunities that may be on hold for months or even years, so I’ve learned patience. But I’ve also learned that responding quickly and adapting to customer needs is key to winning new business.
For any packaging engineers considering a shift to sales, my advice would be to recognize that it’s a completely different type of work. You go from working on a few long-term projects to managing multiple client interactions at once, often shifting priorities. You have to be comfortable with that change and have a solid prospecting strategy. Resilience is essential – I’m still following up on proposals from 2022! It’s a challenge but also incredibly rewarding if you’re up for it. And if sales doesn’t feel like the right fit, you can always go back to engineering. For me, though, I’m glad I made the move – I love it.
Transitioning into sales has pushed me to grow in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Speaking confidently about PCL’s services has even led to training opportunities, like presenting at the MDPTC Fundamentals course at one of the industry’s largest conferences. My goals in sales are harder to hit than they ever were in engineering, but that’s part of what’s shown me I can tackle big challenges.
Reflecting on my journey from intern to engineer to sales engineer, I see how each role helped me grow and adapt. Every stage of my career has been a building block, and I’m grateful for the path that’s brought me to where I am today.
- Sean Thompson
Sr. Sales Engineer at Packaging Compliance Labs