Become a Sales Representative: Education and Career Roadmap.

Sales representatives are responsible for persuading clients, buyers and purchasing agents to buy a products or service. Their duties primarily include demonstrating products or services, advising clients on the benefits of a product or service and traveling to meet with current and prospective clients. While not required, a bachelor's degree can start interested individuals on the path to becoming a sales representative.

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree

Ultimately, everyone learns on the job, but earning a bachelor's degree will provide prospective sales representatives with a general knowledge base. Social science courses such as anthropology, economics and sociology provide insight into the human condition and human decision-making. Sales courses might include marketing, market research, economics and communications. Most companies don't expect sales representatives to have earned a degree in a particular major, but specialized sales reps may benefit from a degree in that field. For example, aspiring pharmaceutical sales reps may benefit from some biology coursework.

Step 2: Complete On-the-Job Sales Training

Companies often have training programs for new sales representatives lasting from a few months to two years. Trainees learn the full product line or service offerings of their employer. They also learn about the company's client base. During on-the-job training,trainees may go on sales call with experienced sales representatives. Over the course of training, they gradually assume more responsibility.

Step 3: Maintain Product Knowledge

Sales representatives should be able to answer any questions about their employer's products. In addition to using the products and understanding how they work, sales reps should stay up to date on upgrades and new product lines.

Step 4: Understand the Client's Business

In order to build strong relationships with clients, sales representatives should understand a client's business and be able to pinpoint their needs. Many sales reps keep a file on each client so they can recall what products the client purchased in the past and what future needs might be.

Step 5: Build a Client Base

New sales representatives may be given clients by their employer. They're often required to find new clients through networking or cold calls. Many sales representatives are paid on commission, which means that their salary is directly related to the number of clients they work with. Sales representatives who have strong relationships with existing clients may receive new clients through referrals.

from education-portal.com