问HN：如何从软件工程师转型为销售工程师或客户经理？
我是一名32岁的软件工程师，目前居住在加拿大多伦多（持有永久居民身份，明年有望成为公民）。我职业生涯的大部分时间都在初创公司工作，20岁时就开始了这条路（20岁时共同创办了一家初创公司）。目前，我在一家位于湾区的初创公司远程工作。
我的背景有些特殊：我学习了法律和应用数学，这在技术和商业环境中都证明是非常有帮助的。
我正在考虑在中期内转向销售工程或客户经理的角色。为什么呢？
我仍然喜欢技术工作，但我越来越倾向于更具人际交往和产品驱动的角色。
我常常发现自己是那个能够制作引人注目的演示、向客户推介想法并清晰解释复杂系统的工程师——而且我很享受这个过程。
我擅长建立人脉、公共演讲和展示——这些领域很多工程师都感到困难。
我相信，随着年龄的增长，我在销售工程领域成为顶尖1%的机会可能比在纯工程领域更大。
还有一个实际的方面：薪酬和降低人工智能带来的干扰风险。
一些额外的背景信息：
我流利使用英语（虽然不是母语，但在英语环境中工作多年）。我是葡萄牙语的母语者，也能用意大利语和西班牙语进行交流。
我对函数式编程有浓厚的兴趣（这与我的应用数学背景有关）。
一旦我成为加拿大公民，我将有资格申请TN-1签证在美国工作。这是一个很好的签证途径，只需在机场出示工作邀请函即可。
那么，进行这样的转型的最佳方式是什么？
我应该瞄准较小的初创公司，还是有正式项目的大公司？
是先瞄准销售工程师还是客户经理的角色更好？
你会推荐什么样的简历调整、侧项目或人脉拓展方法？
我非常希望听到任何经历过类似转型或曾为这些角色招聘的人士的意见。
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I'm a 32-year-old software engineer currently living in Toronto, Canada (Permanent Resident, on track to become a citizen next year). I've worked for startups for most of my career, starting when I was 20 (co-founded one when I was 20).
Currently, I am working remotely for a Bay Area startup.<p>My background is a bit unusual: I studied law and applied math, which has proven to be surprisingly helpful in both technical and business contexts.<p>I'm considering a transition into either Sales Engineering or Account Executive roles in the medium term. Why?<p>I still like technical work, but I'm increasingly drawn to more people-facing, product-driven roles.<p>I’ve often found myself the engineer who can make compelling demos, pitch ideas to clients, and explain complex systems clearly — and I enjoy doing it.<p>I have a knack for networking, public speaking, and presenting — areas where many engineers struggle.<p>I believe I might have a better chance becoming top 1% in sales engineering than in pure engineering, especially as I get older.<p>There's also a practical aspect: compensation and reduced AI disruption risk.<p>Some additional context:<p>I’m fluent in English (not a native speaker, but have worked in English environments for years). I am a native speaker of Portuguese. I can communicate in Italian and in Spanish.<p>I have a strong interest in functional programming (bias from my applied math side).<p>Once I become a Canadian citizen, I’ll be eligible for the TN-1 visa to work in the US. Great visa path. Just need to show job offer at the airport.<p>What’s the best way to make this kind of transition?<p>Should I target smaller startups or larger companies with formal programs?<p>Is it better to aim for Sales Engineer or Account Executive roles first?<p>What kind of resume tweaks, side projects, or networking approaches would you recommend?<p>Would love to hear from anyone who made a similar transition or has hired for these roles.