Sales Managers

Most management and top executive positions are filled by experienced lower-level workers who have displayed valuable skills, such as leadership, self-confidence, creativity, motivation, decisiveness, and flexibility. In smaller firms, advancement to a management position may come slowly, while promotions may occur more quickly in larger firms.

Advancement may be accelerated by participating in advanced training programs sponsored by industry and trade associations or by enrolling in continued education programs at local universities. These programs are sometimes paid for by the firm. Managers committed to improving their knowledge of the field and of related disciplines—especially computer information systems— will have the best opportunities for advancement.

High-performing sales managers may be promoted to executive-level positions such as vice-president of sales or chief executive officer. Some sales managers become college professors. Others advance by taking sales management positions at larger companies.