A Multi-Path Career Journey at Palo Alto Networks

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Emily, a Mid-Market Account Manager at Palo Alto Networks, who transitioned from an intern to an account manager role.

Emily Guo

Account Manager

North America | Blog | Career Development

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

The Journey: From Intern to Mid-Market Account Manager

When I started at Palo Alto Networks as a Corporate Sales Intern in 2020, I couldn’t have imagined the journey ahead. I returned full-time as a Business Development Representative in 2021 to build my foundational sales skills, then pivoted into Field Marketing for two years. When I made the decision to move to marketing, I wanted to explore more facets of the corporate world and see how marketing partners with sales. That experience gave me a broader perspective, strengthened my cross-functional skills, and taught me how different parts of the business drive impact.

Eventually, I moved back into sales as a SMB Account Manager. I wanted to take full ownership of my own business and directly influence customer outcomes, and Palo Alto Networks gave me the support to do it. At every pivot, I leaned on managers and leaders who acted as sponsors, the internal mobility team, and the Early in Career network for guidance, structure, and community.

Now, as a Mid-Market Account Manager, I get to work with both prospective and existing customers, helping them strengthen their cybersecurity strategy, understand how our solutions fit their environment, and achieve meaningful outcomes. Every day, I collaborate with incredible teams across the company, from Domain Consultants to Finance and Legal, who bring our mission of “being the cybersecurity partner of choice, protecting our digital way of life” to life.

Looking back, each career pivot has challenged me, taught me something new, and prepared me for the next step. Palo Alto Networks isn’t just a company where you work, it’s a place where you grow, take ownership, and build a career that truly matters.

Deep Dive: Professional Development & Innovation

We sat down with Emily to learn more about the resources and culture that empowered her multi-faceted career path.

How has Palo Alto Networks supported your professional development?

In my experience, Palo Alto Networks has been the ideal launchpad for professional growth. The company truly supports early career development and encourages employees to explore different paths. My own journey reflects that: I started as a Corporate Sales Intern in 2020, returned full-time as a Business Development Representative (BDR) in 2021, transitioned into a Field Marketing Manager role for two years, and ultimately moved back into sales as a quota-carrying Account Manager. At each career pivot, Palo Alto Networks gave me the resources I needed, which included supportive managers who acted as sponsors, a dedicated internal mobility team, and a clear process to navigate each transition. The Early in Career network group also provided valuable structure, connection, and professional development. Overall, Palo Alto Networks didn’t just give me a job, it gave me a roadmap, a strong support system, and the chance to build a dynamic, meaningful career.

How do you make a strong impact on our mission of protecting our digital way of life?

Every day, I work with both prospective and existing customers to strengthen their cybersecurity strategy by introducing our solutions, understanding their environments, and ensuring they clearly see how our technology supports their specific use cases. I genuinely believe in our mission and try to reflect that in every customer interaction. I’m lucky to work alongside an amazing team, from our Domain Consultants to Speedboat sellers, Finance, Legal, and more, who all bring the Palo Alto Networks mission to life and help us support our customers at every step.

How does Palo Alto Networks' leadership in AI translate into a competitive advantage in the field?

I see Palo Alto Networks’ leadership in AI as a major competitive advantage. It’s not just a marketing message; AI is built into every one of our products, allowing us to stay ahead of an evolving threat landscape where attackers are also using AI. For customers, that means two things: stronger protection across the entire platform and simpler and more efficient operations through consolidation. As an Account Manager, this story resonates. I’m not just selling security tools, I’m offering future-proof resilience and meaningful business efficiency, which customers are eager to adopt.

What should a candidate know about joining our Sales team?

If you’re looking for a sales role where you can make a real impact in cybersecurity, this is the place. The standards are high and the environment is demanding, but that’s exactly what makes the work fulfilling. We don’t just sell technology; we act as trusted cybersecurity advisors, helping customers shape their security strategy and directly protect their digital way of life. Solving complex, high-stakes problems every day is what keeps the job exciting. The opportunity here is also unmatched. Our Sales organization is intentionally segmented, from SMB to Global Strategic accounts, so whether you thrive in high-volume motion or deep, complex enterprise engagements, there’s a clear growth path. If you’re motivated by meaningful challenges and want to deliver real value in the cybersecurity world, you’ll find your fit and your success here.

Join Palo Alto Networks in Sales.

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