Why Sales is the Best First Job

Working in the sales industry is an excellent career path… but it does get a bad rap.? As a matter of fact, it was the last job I wanted coming out of University for this reason.? However I am so glad I took that chance so many years ago and it has been invaluable for my career.?

Historically in popular culture, salespeople have been presented in an unflattering light as slimy, pushy and money-hungry.

Nowadays, salespeople are entrepreneurs who are creative, credible, independent, and in tune with the risks and rewards of running a business.

They no longer take purchase orders or push products. They are helpers and trusted advisors.

I recently rediscovered an old post on LinkedIn by Somen Mondal that I have thought about on and off for years on why Sales is the best job to have in order to further your career.

Leading a sales consultancy for 20+ years, I have seen so many success stories both within my business and of those that have since left and gone on to do incredible things. It's great to hear how their work in sales has given them the foundation for success.

Here are 5 reasons why Sales is a phenomenal job for early in your career:

1. Sales makes you Adaptable

It doesn't matter which industry you work in; some aspect of selling is involved. If you're the CEO of a global brand, you need to sell your vision to your shareholders. If you pursue a PhD, you must sell your ideas to receive funding and publish. Being able to sell is the foundation of any successful career. Products change, territories change, customer expectations change, and you learn to be flexible and open to evolving environments in sales. This is a skill that employers value.?

Look up the world's largest businesses, and they no doubt seek resilience across their leadership teams. This skill of 'adaptability' that you learn in sales makes you attractive to these leading firms worldwide.

2. Sales makes you a great Public Speaker?

The ability to articulate your ideas and speak eloquently is essential in any career.?

There is no other profession that allows you to get better at speaking and connecting to people. When it comes to speaking well, practice makes perfect.?

If you seek success, speaking is an essential skill. A common trait amongst the greatest entrepreneurs is their ability to inspire through speech, and this is one of the simplist things that sales teaches you.

3. Confidence

Closing a deal or making a sale; improves confidence.?

Gaining experience in sales through things like talking to strangers and turning them into your customers and even friends - definitely increases confidence.

Whether you're looking for a summer job, first job, or a career change, sales is a fantastic experience that will be invaluable to you forever.

4. Sales provinces you greater Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

This is the ability to understand your own emotions and the emotions of others. EQ is becoming one of the most sought-after soft skills in business. Once you've acquired it, you can understand your own needs more profoundly and the needs of others. Selling is still primarily a function of interpersonal relations, which means you're constantly developing the ability to recognise motivations, needs, and perceptions.

5. Sales enables you to strengthen your communication skills.

Regardless of which career path you choose (and even outside of the office), communication is undoubtedly one of the most important skills you can strengthen to succeed professionally.

Strong communication skills help you connect with colleagues, managers, and customers. And, as you move up in your career, communication skills are vital for enabling you to lead others more effectively.

A career in sales is beneficial for those seeking constant development, core skills for success, high earning potential, and a way to challenge yourself daily.?

It is an industry that has changed over time. The world of selling now requires an entirely different mentality and skill set. It's no longer about persuading people to buy something they don't want or need, or something they can't afford. It's about being a trustworthy and credible source of information for a buyer looking for your product or service. It's about being a trusted advisor.

Have you worked in sales? What skills have you used throughout your career?