Entering into Sales & Marketing

Entering into the sales and marketing sector

With a formal qualification behind your name, you are already fairly attractive to potential employers. In fact, many employers in the industry believe that having a degree is, in itself, far more significant than the actual focus of the qualification. This means that you could find yourself in a junior or even medium-weight sales and marketing role, regardless of the type of degree you have completed.

That having been said, it is also crucial to bear in mind that the sector is a rapidly developing one, and employers are routinely seeking better qualified and more highly skilled individuals to fill sales and marketing vacancies. As a graduate with little or no experience, you may be able to secure a job as a marketing assistant, sales rep or junior sales or client service executive. However, if you intend to progress up the ladder, you’ll need to gain as much experience as possible, and perhaps even further your qualifications by completing part-time courses specialising in particular areas of sales and marketing.

Individuals who excel in this sector are those who are able to adapt quickly and easily to a new working environment. Finely-tuned people skills are key. Employers tend to seek candidates who complement the staff and capabilities already present in the company, and who act as “team players” in the workplace. In other words, individuals who are perceived to “fit in” with current employees will be favoured over those who appear to lack interpersonal skills and shy away from teamwork.