Sales Managers

High School

If you are interested in a career as a sales manager, you should start preparing in high school by taking college preparatory classes. Because strong communication skills are important, take as many English classes as possible. Speech classes are another way to improve your communication skills. Foreign language classes will help you to communicate with workers who do not speak English fluently. Courses in mathematics, accounting, statistics, business, marketing, advertising, economics, and computer science are also excellent choices to help you prepare for this career.

Postsecondary Training

Many sales managers have a bachelor's degree in business administration, with an emphasis on marketing or sales. Useful general college classes include those in psychology, sociology, business, and economics. Managers often have graduate and professional degrees.

Most managers have worked in lower-level sales jobs, which helps them effectively coordinate the efforts of the whole sales department. Candidates for managerial positions who have extensive experience will have a competitive edge.

Certification

Some colleges and universities offer undergraduate and graduate certificate programs in sales, sales management, and related fields. Programs typically last six months to a year and are available in online, in-person, and hybrid formats. Contact schools in your area for information about available programs.

The American Marketing Association offers a sales management certificate program. Visit https://www.amanet.org/sales-management-certificate-program for more information.

Other Education or Training

The Sales Management Association offers webinars, classes and workshops to help sales managers keep their skills up to date. Past offerings included Social Strategies for Sales Leaders, Assessing Sales Talent for Front-Line and Management Roles, and New Product Selling: What Works. The American Management Association provides seminars and webcasts on analytical, management and supervisory, project management, leadership, communication, and finance skills. The American Marketing Association and the National Management Association also provide professional development opportunities. Contact these organizations for more information.