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How would someone be able to develop their sales career path in college?

Currently in college and I recently started door to door sales. I do want to get more into sales stuff, but so far it’s complicated. I don’t really don’t know what degree I should go for and what the next step for my sales career is. I’ve seen stuff like industrial sales and med sales and real estate sales and SaaS and the such but it’s all pretty much jumbled up. Basically, I’m super new to the industry and wanted to ask how someone would be able to develop their career and the path in college if there is one.

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Tasha’s Answer

Hi, Kenn. Many individuals in the sales field have pursued academic degrees in areas such as Business or Economics, which is one possible route. However, there's a more direct approach to honing your sales skills: concentrate on courses, including online webinars and face-to-face seminars, that impart sales techniques. There's a wealth of excellent sales strategies available, such as the Challenger Sale, MEDDIC, Solution Selling, and Gap Selling. Acquiring a framework like this can assist you in creating a sales process that guides your customer from the initial prospecting stage through to the final closing and implementation. Even if you decide not to pursue a career in sales, this learning experience can provide valuable insights and help you decide if this is the path you'd like to follow in life. Good luck!
Thank you comment icon Thank you, Tasha! Kenn
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Marco’s Answer

Hello Kenn.

I've worked in sales for quite some time, and this includes working with people in different roles. I'll provide an answer to you as a student.

I am the technical expert on sales engagements, and I work most often with my salesperson. I often rely on my team that includes specialists during a sale, and people that perform implementation after the sale. We also have people that find new customers, and those that work with existing customers to help them use the product and expand their usage. There are more!

My question to you is: given there are multiple roles, which ones are most interesting to you? Your answer helps us provide a better answer to you.

I recommend you continue with your education because that will build on your foundation. Some disciplines require real study as you would expect. For example, medical devices need people that have been trained and studied the relevant disciplines. If you want to be a technology person, then the more mastery you have over relevant technology, the better.

In all cases, I believe the people that belong in sales are those that have a natural desire to work in their industry. Your enthusiasm is important, as well as the experience you have in the industry.

As others have noteded, there are reference materials for working professionals. These materials provide insights into the discipline, which is something we all have to do as part of the job.

Good luck out there and happy hunting!
Thank you comment icon This was super helpful, thank you! Kenn
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Julia’s Answer

I would suggest looking into the SDR (Sales Development Rep) & BDR (Businesses Development Rep) role. It's a great entry level role into tech sales specifically post grad. But transferable skills are your best resource when getting experience so I would suggest joining community groups or clubs and taking on a leadership role that you find interest in. A lot of sales is hearing no and learning how to work through the highs and lows of problem solving. A great salesperson is just solving an issue for a prospect with their product. A great book to read is The Challenger Sale. Lean on your network on Linkedin and build a profile for yourself there, look for any titles like "Sales Director" "Account Executive" " VP of Sales" " Director of Business Development" and ask them to mentor you.

Best of luck!
Thank you comment icon Thank you, Julia! Kenn
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Steffi’s Answer

Hi Ken,

Consider starting in a Sales Development Representative (SDR) or Business Development Representative (BDR) position—both excellent entry points into tech sales for recent grads. Building transferable skills is essential, so get involved in community groups or clubs where you can take on a leadership role that aligns with your interests. Sales demands resilience, especially in handling rejection and developing strong problem-solving abilities. Successful salespeople focus on understanding a customer’s needs and offering effective solutions with their product. For an insightful approach, consider researching the Sandler Sales Methodology. Also, build a strong LinkedIn profile, and connect with experienced professionals like Sales Directors, Account Executives, or VPs of Sales who might be open to mentoring you.
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