What's the Hot Item This Spring? Your New Sales Career

By Jessica Santina
Learning & Life Columnist

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According to the Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index, consumer confidence is at its highest level in four years. This means that job prospects are high, and hiring managers will increase their staffing levels this year, especially in sales.

Salesperson and motivational speaker Zig Ziglar once said, "Nothing happens until someone sells something." As a salesperson, you get to make things happen everyday.

What it Means to Work in Sales

When you hear the word "sales," you probably think of knocking on doors, or calling random people to pitch your "spiel." However, sales is really about listening to your customers, understanding what they need, and thinking about ways to help. If you really enjoy working with people, taking on new challenges everyday, and never falling into a routine, sales is a great career opportunity. Independent, outgoing, self-motivated people are ideal candidates for a career in sales.

Getting Started in Sales

While a career in sales means you might be qualified to work in nearly any industry, some of your hottest prospects might be in pharmaceutical sales. Pharmaceutical companies in the U.S. actually employ more than a quarter of a million people and sell more than $200 billion worth of prescription drugs annually. An aging Baby Boomer population's increasing reliance on medication will make pharmaceuticals a lucrative industry for salespeople.

Building a Sales Career by Degrees

A degree is a great way to get started in a career. Communication skills are essential, and a degree in marketing, public relations, or business administration is a great way to build those abilities. While earning your degree, many experts suggest an internship or some type of employment where you can hone your sales technique.

Along with a degree, consider your interests. If you love what you sell, chances are, your passion will help you sell it. With dedication and hard work, a career in sales can earn you some serious rewards - independence, fun, and unlimited earning potential.

Sources

About the Author
Jessica Santina is a freelance writer with a background in media and marketing. She also teaches first-year writing courses at the University of Nevada, Reno.

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