Which would be considered an internal SME?

Question

Options

• ASystem Engineer assigned to the account
• BCisco Services industry consultant
• CCisco Channel Partner Program Manager
• DSales compensation analyst for the region

• A
  94% (46)
• B
  2% (1)
• C
  2% (1)
• D
  2% (1)

Explanation

A System Engineer (SE) assigned to the account is the internal SME because they are embedded within the account team and provide deep technical expertise directly in support of the sales process - that combination of "internal to the team" and "subject matter expertise" is exactly what defines an internal SME.

Why the distractors are wrong:

• B (Cisco Services industry consultant) - While Cisco-employed, a consultant is typically brought in as an external resource for a specific engagement, not a standing internal team member.
• C (Cisco Channel Partner Program Manager) - This role manages partner relationships and programs, not technical solution expertise; they also operate outside the account team structure.
• D (Sales compensation analyst) - Internal to the company, yes, but an analyst focused on comp structure has no subject-matter expertise relevant to the customer's technical or business needs.

Memory tip: Think of "internal SME" as someone on your squad who knows the solution deeply. The SE is literally assigned to the account and owns the technical conversation - if they're on your team and they're the expert, they're your internal SME.

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