Finding an inspiring career can be one of the toughest challenges an individual faces. Oftentimes, individuals go through various “jobs” before discovering their true passion. Because the majority of U.S. universities don’t offer professional sales as a major, many sales professionals graduate with a degree unrelated to professional sales. If universities did offer a sales degree, the required coursework would likely resemble a general business degree.
This lack of degree gives a sales career a bad rap despite the fact that a sales career can be lucrative and the industry offers more job opportunities than other industries. As of today, Indeed.com indicates that more than 17,000 open sales positions are available in Chicago alone!
4 REASONS TO CHOOSE A SALES CAREER
Although professional sales can be hard, and it’s not for everyone, here are 4 reasons to choose a sales career.
YOU ARE REWARDED DIRECTLY FOR YOUR PERFORMANCE.
If you thrive on recognition, closing a sale gives you an immediate performance review and praise from management. Additionally, top sales performers in many organizations receive nonmonetary rewards such as “Presidents Club,” which is a great resume builder.
If you are money driven, professional sales also can be extremely lucrative due to the commissions generated by closing deals. The higher level sale, the more money you will make.
YOU ARE COMPETITIVE IN NATURE.
Whether you are competitive with yourself or other teammates, sales provides the opportunity to satiate your competitiveness. Aside from professional sports, sales is the closest professional environment to meet your competitive needs.
EVERYDAY IS DIFFERENT.
Even with inside sales, every call you make is different from the last. Your conversation with prospects will never go the same. Being able to communicate effectively and efficiently, along with adapting to objections and rebuttals make for challenging and engaging work.
YOU BUILD RELATIONSHIPS ON A DAILY BASIS.
Sales is the perfect career for individuals who are people oriented. If you are sociable in nature and enjoy interacting with people on a daily basis, that is an ideal profile to succeed in sales.
Sales is not for everyone. It can be hard, but rewarding. And what great career isn’t challenging? When you truly think about it, no matter what an individual does in their career, sales is at the root of it. From a doctor selling a patient on the need of a specific treatment to a teacher selling a student on the importance of education, you are SELLING! But can you make it a career?
Happy job hunting!
