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What is good jobs to get experince in sales?

As a highschool / college student what can I do for work to start gaining experince in sales? Is there anything that is more valuable to spend my time on?

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Chancellor’s Answer

It depends on which industry you’d like to get into!

I personally have experience in the software industry. My best advice is to get a BDR/SDR job while you’re in college or right out of high school for a credible organization to build a strong resume. Work your way up from being a SDR/BDR to an Account Executive or Account Manager.

I hope this helps! Feel free to reach to me on LinkedIn if you have any more questions.

-Chancellor Corbett

Chancellor recommends the following next steps:

Create a strong LinkedIn Profile
Create a strong resume
Read books about sales. I.e Fanatical Prospecting by Jeb Blount
Listen to sales/business podcast I.e Nathan Latka’s podcast
Find a mentor
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Daniel’s Answer

Everyone will have different suggestions depending on the field your wanting to enter. I found that most sales people including myself that any role that builds skills essential to sales will help.

Communication skills - verbal specifically - This can be a customer service role that involves adding additional value to other products
Time Management - Sales can be structure in a sense of time but requires the individual to be able to balance , current customer base, prospecting and personal time.
Willingness to try new things - Most sales people will sale things they have little knowledge of at first. This is why its important to be comfortable with the uncomfortable.

Types of jobs could be front desk of a hotel, service centers front desk, cell phone carriers, cable companies, rental agency, property management companies and any industry that involves talking with people about products/services.
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Vamshee’s Answer

Following essential skills, one should have or develop to excel in sales career

- Good Communication
- Presentation Skills
-Active Listening
- Storytelling
-Negotiation skills
-Timem Management
-Curiosity
-Collaboration
- Social selling

You have to figure out what kind of sales jobs/industry you are interested in...Ex selling goods, service, selling products, selling specialty items.
etc. Look for companies who trains you well and provide tuition to college etc.

Some sales jobs i think of and which is most common and avaialble every where

- Working in retail stores
-Working in wireless stores (AT&T, Verizon-Mobile)
- Working as salesperson in Local Gyms, car wash places
-Working in sports store, goals course etc.
-Working for Best buy, Apple stores, staples, Office supplies
- Working in call center or customer service rep jobs , some are remote jobs and companies provide some training which is a plus


Hope this gives some idea ..
Thank you comment icon Hi Vamshee. Great advice! Early in my career and right after college, I worked in both customer service and retail at a local mall. Both jobs gave me experience in working with all types of personalities and increased my ability to solve problems. Melisa Cameron
Thank you comment icon thank you for sharing your experience. Vamshee Gunturu
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Ben’s Answer

Hi Jianna,

Great question. Two elements to your question. I believe getting a customer-facing role is vital before stepping into a BDR or SDR role to enable you to interact with customers.

Lastly, identify mentors in the target industries you're looking to go into which you can solicit advice from.


Ben
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Damien’s Answer

Hey Jianna,

If you know you 100% want a career in sales then absolutely jump right in and great advise in the other answers.

However, I wasn't actually sure sales was for me as I first started my career and so my path took me through marketing, portfolio management, pre-sales before finally moving into sales. I gained a lot of the core skills needed and built strong sales networks from working directly with sales teams.

So being flexible, open and embracing change are not only great sales qualities but important mind set for your early career progression.
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Scott’s Answer

If you're interested in pursuing a career in sales but aren't sure where to start, I highly recommend looking into cell phone sales. Not only does it offer competitive pay, but it also provides a wealth of opportunities for personal and professional growth.

In cell phone sales, you'll have the chance to develop valuable skills in customer service, technical expertise, and salesmanship. You'll be at the forefront of an industry that's constantly changing, and you'll need to stay up-to-date on the latest technology and trends. This means that you'll never stop learning and growing in your role.

But perhaps the best part of cell phone sales is the potential for earning a great income. With a base salary and commission structure, your income is directly tied to your performance. This means that the sky's the limit when it comes to how much you can earn.

And if you're looking to advance your career in sales, cell phone sales is an excellent stepping stone. The skills and experience you gain will be transferable to other sales roles, potentially even in the tech industry.

So if you're ready to jumpstart your sales career, consider starting in cell phone sales. It's a challenging and rewarding field that will help you develop the skills and experience you need to succeed in sales.

Jianna, if you're passionate about sales and eager to build a successful career in this field, I believe that cell phone sales could be an excellent place to start. Don't be afraid to explore this option and see if it's a good fit for you. With hard work, dedication, and a willingness to learn, you can achieve great things in this exciting and dynamic industry. So go ahead and take the leap - I'm rooting for you!
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Sara’s Answer

Hi Jianna!
I have had a 20 year sales career with the last 14 being in Medical sales.
It’s good that you are thinking about it now so you can start looking for opportunities to gain experience. I would recommend networking with family and friends, find connections that can offer advice and support. If you can find someone that has their own business that you can get some hours here and there just learning from. I was lucky enough to have a father who had a construction business and his friends that had businesses. If you don’t know anyone, I would suggest asking around to find business owners that need some cheap or free help in the office, helping the sales people etc. Knock on some doors and talk to people, you’ll uncover an opportunity. People appreciate outgoing attitudes and hard working individuals. I would recommend looking for jobs where you have to cold call and develop leads and make sales. Sales calls to home or businesses. Prove success there and that goes a long way in interviews. If you are looking at medical sales, once you graduate many medical device & pharmaceutical companies have associate rep positions that they hire people right out of college.
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Aaron J.’s Answer

I have worked in sales virtually my entire career, I would say look for a place that is not just teaching sales tactics but understanding of people and buying desires. A place that works as a consultee environment versus adding incremental sales and revenue.
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Martin’s Answer

There are many thoughts that come to mind but If you start in Sales, but find a company that sell's something you like to buy yourself as well.
In your first jobs, selling something you don't like is hard, but if you believe in the services or product your selling its way easier.

Does not need to be a Job to sell a Ferrari, but choose something more realistic and find out if you like to talk about it everyday, find a passion and then work becomes easy, so does the sale of the product your selling.

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Ann’s Answer

Jianna,
Great question and more importantly, I like how motivated you are! In college, I worked for the school newspaper selling advertisements. Yes, things have changed, but ask your counselor if there are any opportunities like that. In high school, I worked for a retailer that offered spiffs (commissions) if certain items were sold. Both were great experiences that helped me as I interviewed after college for sales positions. Best of everything to you. It’s a good career with lots of upside if you stay motivated!
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Derek’s Answer

Jianna -

I'll keep it short but Verizon Wireless would be a great option.
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Chantelle’s Answer

Anything customer facing is a good place to start. If you have a specific type of sales in mind start with that.
Example: tech. Start with a more
Tech focused
Company ground up in a direct to consumer role or entry inside
Sales job. Many places also do have intern opportunities.
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Michael’s Answer

Good morning - Door to door sales is a great place to start. In door-to-door sales, products or services are sold directly to customers at their homes. Sales through this method are more likely to result in conversions because they allow for more personal interaction. I have had the great opportunity to work with many high level sales professions that started their careers doing D2D sales and it has provided them with the most essential skill set to be high level in any and all sales organizations.
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Traci’s Answer

Anything that involves speaking with people, working with people, like a cashier, working in retail. Volunteer in student orientation and registration process, welcoming new students to campus. Volunteer yourself as an RA. Any type of tour guide or docent job that involves public speaking. Working entry level at a call center to understand how to speak with people in high stress situations, sharpen your up-sell and cross-sell skills. Door to door sales for knives or solar panel sales.
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Alex’s Answer

To make the most out of this advice, start by identifying jobs that involve regular communication with people, either in-person or via phone. This can include positions such as customer service representative, receptionist, or retail sales associate. Next, create a list of businesses in your area that hire for these types of roles, focusing on industries that particularly interest you.

Once you have your list, research each company to understand their values, work environment, and potential career growth opportunities. Customize your resume and cover letter for each application, keeping in mind the specific skills and experiences each employer is looking for. Actively apply to these positions and attend job fairs or networking events to increase your chances of securing interviews.

As you gain experience in different roles, take note of which aspects you enjoy and which aspects you may dislike. Consider maintaining a journal or log of these observations to help guide your future career decisions. By working in various job settings, you will develop a better understanding of your preferences, helping you shape a fulfilling career path in sales or other fields.
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Brittany’s Answer

you can get experience in sales by doing retail sales, recruiting, real estate and tech. I would pick something you like and enjoy as that will make it easier for you to sell something that you are naturally excited about! I got my start in sales through tech recruiting and then eventually transitioned to selling homes. I loved finding people jobs and I loved helping people purchase their homes. Two major life events that you want to have alot of passion for in order build trust with your customers! Hope this is helpful!
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Connor’s Answer

Jiannia, I did retail sales and internships with retailers prior to my career in software sales. People skills & soft skills are the most important and I recommend looking at reading "Sales EQ" and "How to Master the Art of Selling" on best practices when it comes sales. L
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Bree’s Answer

Great query! For a person whose experience is primarily in sales! Here's a nugget of wisdom I'd share with my younger self: kick-start your career as a server. Be it Olive Garden, Chili's, IHOP, Denny's, or any similar establishment. The foundation of sales is understanding your customer base and their basic needs. People need to eat, but the trick lies in how you serve that food to make it an unforgettable experience. What can you glean from this? Communication skills, time management, financial management - these are all key. Working for tips parallels working for commission.

Bree recommends the following next steps:

Find a serving job, serve the people, build work ethic as this is highly active
Try to find something you are passionate about and practice selling it in the mirror
What do you love about it? What do you think your customer base would love about it? Why does your customer base need this?
Go on YouTube and check out sales experience videos, for example: how to pitch & how to gain the customers attention.
Don’t be afraid to sit in Best Buy, apple or big retail corporations and listen to their sales pitches and ask them in person how they like it
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Hayden’s Answer

Sales is a wonderfully versatile field that spans across all industries and sectors. The most important qualities to hone are attentive listening, asking insightful questions, and showing respectful curiosity about what the customer needs. After you've truly heard what they're saying, you can then respond effectively to the 'buyer's' needs. Sales skills are incredibly transferable and can benefit you in any industry. I say this because I believe you have the potential to excel in any role that involves engaging with people and having meaningful conversations. Consider working on a cruise ship as a server. It's a great way to travel and gain experience at the same time!
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Anna’s Answer

If you're keen on embarking on a Sales career, starting with retail sales or restaurant jobs is an excellent first step. These roles will equip you with the skills to engage with people and bring smiles to their faces through various forms of service. Your choice of study can be diverse, but fields like Communications, Marketing, or Psychology can provide useful insights. Don't forget to explore online resources about selling strategies to help guide your journey. Remember, every step you take is a step closer to your goal. Keep going!
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Cris’s Answer

Sales revolves around fostering relationships and mastering the art of communicating with individuals you've just met, all while discerning what will deliver them the maximum benefit.

There's a plethora of fantastic job opportunities for young adults eager to hone their sales skills.

- Door-to-door sales roles (such as selling books, landscaping services, and more)
- Positions as a server in restaurants
- Cashier jobs
- Retail roles.
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Terra’s Answer

If you're certain that a career in sales is your goal, don't hesitate to seize any chance that lets you acquire customer service experience. The contemporary sales landscape demands more than just pitching skills - it calls for robust interpersonal abilities. Engaging in customer service roles is an effective strategy to develop essential sales skills like negotiation, persuasion, and support. For instance, I initiated my journey in Tech sales following a decade as a tech customer support manager. I discovered that my fascination with customer issues and the drive to resolve them resulted in more significant sales.
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Thomas’s Answer

Work as a server in a restaurant. To me, this is sales is it's purest form. You need to connect with your customers, encourage them to like you, learn more about their needs and concerns, know your product, present ideas, solve problems as they arise. The good news is that - most times - your good service will result in healthy tips.
But pretty much any client facing job - restaurant, retail, receptionist, hotel front desk - is going to give you the exposure to people and their needs that will ultimately translate to a healthy sales career.
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Eric’s Answer

Retail sales can indeed be an enlightening and fulfilling platform to gain knowledge about sales. Try to concentrate on a retailer where you have direct, one-on-one sales discussions with customers, rather than just handling sales transactions. These types of retailers usually offer extensive training in product knowledge and soft sales skills. This training can prove to be immensely beneficial for whichever career path you decide to follow. Remember, every step you take in this field is a stepping stone to a brighter future. So, keep learning, keep growing!
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Zack’s Answer

Depending on the industry there are a few different entry level sales roles you can get into. A Sales Development Rep or a Business development Rep are typical entry level sales roles where you will likely be cold reaching out to prospects to gather meetings for Account executives who will close the deals. This is a typical setup for the software industries and a great way to gain sales experience.

I find that the skills you build in a sales role can be applicable to many different roles, you could continue up the sales ladder or work in operations or marketing. Find your niche and understand what you enjoy. If you do not like cold calling a job in sales operations or marketing might be right for you!
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Zach’s Answer

Great question! I think that having a job where you are talking with and helping customers would be helpful. This could be a retail job, phone sales, customer service over the phone, etc.

A few jobs that really helped me with starting out my sales career in college were working as a sales associate in store for GNC(the nutrition retail store), working at my college university calling alumni for donations, and another sales job where I was doing a lot of cold calling.

There are many options to help with getting experience to go into a sales job, but I think the most important experience you can get is working with customers each day in your job, and if you can find a job that also includes sales, that would be even more helpful.
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