How would you encourage a new college graduate today to pursue a career in B2B sales?
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Director of Sales Enablement in Telecommunication5 months ago
There are a few universities and colleges that have a sales program, a major or a minor. That is a great way to get the path started. Take at least one sales course in college if it is available. Then go into sales in the area of your major, so that you have some subject matter experience. If you were a biology major go into pharma, medical equipment, lab equipment, research sales. If you were an education major go into school equipment, curriculum, textbook sales. After that you can branch to adjacent areas. Worked for me.COO5 months ago
There are so many paths. Cori Hartje is right: If students know they want to work in sales, they should choose a college with a sales program or classes. They can also look for a Customer Service or an inside sales job at a company that sells something related to their education. That can be science, music, art, education, etc. Learning those roles will prepare them for an outside sales job. Sometimes smaller local companies will take someone with less experience and train them. Only do this if the person doing the training is a sales professional, not the owner. I always encourage students to do an internship. Find a company that will let you learn. CSO5 months ago
If they are already a college graduate, I would recommend they make a list of industries and jobs that interest them. If the type of sale they choose is complex, I'd recommend they pick up some top sales books to read about what makes a great salesperson. I would recommend they look for companies with strong training programs and, more importantly, find a company with a leader who will be a good coach. That first leader will be critically important as they will set you up for your future success.