Enterprise AE is on average 5+ years of quota carrying experience with a track record of success handling complex deals. Could be longer/shorter depending on the organization type (start up vs large F500), timing, luck etc. The most common way to get a foot in is to start as a Business Development Rep (BDR) or Sales Development Rep (SDR). You will spend your days doing high volume cold outreach to clients (calls, emails, social media) and sometimes handling inbound leads with the goal of trying to book meetings for your team's Account Executives to close. This role is very entry level but is the foundation to eventually be a good AE; naturally, most people are looking to be promoted to Account Executive (or Account Manager, or Sales Engineer, or Management etc) ASAP. Company structure varies but you will often see career track for someone pursuing the AE route go something like this: BDR/SDR >>> Small Business (SMB) AE >>> Mid-Market (MM) AE >>> Enterprise AE.