Sales Representatives

If you are interested in becoming a sales representative, try to get part-time or summer work in a retail store. Working as a telemarketer is also useful. Some high schools and junior colleges offer programs that combine classroom study with work experience in sales.

Various opportunities exist to gain experience in direct selling. You can take part in sales drives for school or community groups, for instance.

Occasionally manufacturers hire college students for summer assignments. These temporary positions provide an opportunity for the employer and employee to appraise each other. A high percentage of students hired for these specialized summer programs become career employees after graduation. Some wholesale warehouses also offer temporary or summer positions.

Participate in information interviews with sales representatives. In such an interview—which can be conducted in-person, on the phone, or through video-conferencing technology—you will get the opportunity to ask sales representatives 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. Ask your school counselor or a teacher to help you set up information interviews. Perhaps you could even job-shadow a sales representative to learn even more about the field.