Sales Engineers

A good way to learn more about the everyday life of sales engineers is through an internship. Most sales engineer jobs require previous sales experience, so an internship or part-time job with a company that produces and sells scientific or technical equipment is a great starting point. Familiarity with general sales techniques is important; find classes and read publications offered by professional associations such as the Manufacturers' Representatives Educational Research Foundation and the Manufacturers' Agents National Association (which offers Agency Sales magazine).

Participate in information interviews with sales engineers. During such an interview, you will get the opportunity to ask sales engineers about their job duties, work environment, likes and dislikes about their careers, educational training, and other topics that will help you to learn more about the field. Information interviews can be conducted in-person, on the phone, or through video-conferencing technology. Ask your school counselor or a teacher to help you set up information interviews. Perhaps you could even job-shadow a sales engineer to learn even more about the field.