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The sales industry is booming due to the impact of consumerism on our daily lives. Every product you see in a shop window or any object displayed on an online vendor has been impacted by a sales process at one time or another.
Sales people are the backbone to even the most established of companies, striving to hit their targets for their employers and ensure that the business continues to excel. Thus, the sales industry offers an excellent chance for those with a strong talent for selling and a healthy business acumen.
Sales roles are constantly evolving with the times. It is now crucial that people are flexible, as the sector has come to support every facet of our work and leisure lives. From cars, to events, health products and even houses, the sales industry supports everything we interact with without us even realising. That’s not even to mention the business to business side of things – you could be flogging your wares to other talented sales people who want the best possible deal.
Any work experience opportunity that helps you build your ability to communicate effectively and develop your customer service skills will be valued by employers in the sales industry. Some employers may offer summer placements or industrial placements to students wishing to gain more sales experience. Working in the industry will help you decide whether a career in sales in the future is the right path for you and show employers that you have the necessary skills to succeed in your role.
Unsure about what a work placement could involve? You should’ve asked!
An apprenticeship is a great route into sales (or those wishing to enter similar sectors). Apprenticeships are available at a range of levels and so can meet you at whatever stage you wish to enter. You’ll be paid a salary by your employer to study towards a qualification that’ll give you all the academic knowledge you’ll need for your role. In addition, you’ll also spend most of your time in the workplace, gaining all the skills and experience that come from being exposed to the industry first-hand.
As you advance, you’ll be handed even more responsibility (especially in the higher-level apprenticeships) which will aid you as you develop into your role. You could even complete a degree level apprenticeship, which will give you a qualification that your employers will sponsor. That means no student fees!
Want to know what apprenticeships are all about? We have you covered!
A degree apprenticeship is an excellent opportunity to combine both the practical experience that comes from spending time in the workplace alongside experienced colleagues, and the chance to study for a university degree. Not only will you be paid a salary by your employer for all your hard work, but you’ll also have the chance to gain your degree qualification – alongside any others that may be necessary for your role, with all of your student fees covered. That means gaining a degree without the normal debts!
Is a degree apprenticeship up your street? We’ll help you know!
It is not necessary to go to university in order to pursue a successful career in the sales industry, however, your degree may give you some excellent foundations to go from once you enter the workplace. If you choose university as the best path for you, you will gain all the theoretical knowledge behind the sales sector that you’ll get to apply to your job when you graduate. At university you’ll get to pick your units, meaning you can alter your learning to suit your own interests and career prospects. Here are some potential sales degree subjects you could choose:
Want to find out what University could offer you? We have your back!
If you have excellent communication skills, enthusiasm, confidence and good business acumen, a sales job once you graduate may be the perfect route for you. Many employers often recruit graduates straight from university. Most accept graduates of all degree backgrounds, as companies are instead focused on the self-discipline and motivation that comes with completing a degree. Others also offer graduate schemes to provide on-the-job training and formal mentoring with staff, but these are often highly competitive due to the highly lucrative nature of some sales roles which holds great appeal.
Want to know what graduate jobs are all about? We can help!
The great thing about the sales industry is that you can go straight into a role from school, college or university, or even as a career change later in life. Many people choose to work their way up through the organisation after starting at a younger age. The sales industry is one that offers many chances to progress and quickly develop your career through promotions and increased responsibilities.
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Do you want to join a meaningful company that values inclusivity and empowerment? Schneider Electric are recruiting for both apprentice and graduate positions in a range of areas so no matter your interest and skillset, if you’re looking for a role within an award-winning sustainability company, apply today to Schneider Electric.
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