A career in sales focuses on both customer service and encouraging a customer to buy a product. This may include meeting with clients, research potential markets, and possibly management positions. People interested in this type of work should be motivated, positive, engaging, and intelligent. The exact type of work performed is largely dependent on the industry, so it is important to find something you are passionate about selling. This type of job may include long hours, but also has a greater flexibility than many other careers since it is largely based on performance, not time spend working.
The education requirements for a job in sales vary greatly. Often a high school graduate can break into sales if they can demonstrate an aptitude for the work. Often a long resume is just as valuable as a diploma. However, a degree in business can be a great way for those who wish to further their education to get into this field. Some positions, such as management or arranging meetings with important clients may require a higher degree. There is also a great deal of on the job training. If you want to boost both your effectiveness and your resume, it may be a good idea to take a few classes in things like public speaking and making sales, even if you don't intend to get a higher degree.
The salary of a person in the sales industry can vary greatly. A high school student with a part time job at the local clothing store may be making only minimum wage, while a pharmaceutical sales representative may be making $70,000 a year. The wage also depends on the individual employer's payment style, whether they focus on a set salary, on commission, or a combination of the two. There is great room for growth here from the early stages of sales. Talented sales people may even branch out into managing their own team of sales people or starting their own business with the knowledge they have gained.
Careers in sales have fairly good prospects at the moment. Out of undergraduate students graduating with a bachelor's degree in business, 90% had a job within 3 months. Companies are often looking for new, motivated people to sell their products. Security within an individual job will depend on the success of the company, however. Working with a small business can be a higher risk, but may also result in a higher payout.
A career in sales can be very rewarding for the right type of person. It requires motivation, drive, and a willingness to put the customer first.
Data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics
The salary range for Sales Rep begins around $34,000 and usually tops out around $133,000, with a mean in the neighborhood of $83,500. This is about 92% higher than the national average for annual salaries.
In order to qualify for most Sales Rep positions, you typically need to have a High School Diploma or higher.
Data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics
The growth outlook for Sales Rep careers is estimated at about 8% while the estimated growth for all career fields over that same span is at about 10.12%. Over the next six years, Sales Rep jobs are expected to grow at a 27% lower rate than the national average for annual salaries.