Careers

The Many Faces of Sales Careers

By Thomas Phelps, About.com Guide

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For nearly every industry that exists, there is a corresponding sales career. For those interested in either starting a sales career or changing from one sales industry to another, there are many options, choices and factors to consider.

This list of sales careers is not intended to be exhaustive, complete or the definitive collection. It's intention is to serve as a quick and dynamic list of some of the most popular sales careers. So check back often to read more about the many faces (and types) of sales careers.

IT Industry Sales Careers

Thomas Phelps

The IT industry is one that affords successful sales professionals a substantial income opportunity as well as job security. However, both of these wonderful benefits can quickly become lapsed by the rapidly changing nature of the IT world.

For those in IT sales and those considering IT as their career, having a career-long commitment to education and learning new skills is of paramount importance.

Real Estate Careers

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Real Estate Sales Professionals, aka "Agents," have the enviable job of helping people own their piece of the American dream. While agents do much more than just sell homes for and to people, essentially their job is close deals. For those who do that well, the rewards can be incredible.

But the allure of an unlimited income and the freedom of real estate sales hides a very important but critical success factor. That factor is that, like any other sales profession, success does not come before hard work.

Medical Devices Sales Careers

Of all the career industries, none provide as much security as does the Healthcare industry. The percentage of each dollar spent that goes towards Healthcare rises each year. With all that money going into the industry, the money available for successful sales professionals is absolutely amazing.

The question is not whether a sales career in the Healthcare industry should be a consideration or not, but which avenue a sales professional should explore.

Independent Sales Reps

Sometimes, jobs that offer the income potential that you need can't be found. When the economy takes a turn for the worst, jobs are often the first victim. But companies that make a product or have a service, still need to have someone sell their wares to customers. When hiring a sales force doesn't make fiscal sense, many companies turn to independent sales reps to carry their flag.

Because of this factor, there are usually an abundance of independent sales reps positions available. So for those self-motivated sales professionals who can take the risks involved with not having a base salary, a career as an Independent Sales Rep may be the best and most secure choice they can make.

Food Service Sales

Thomas Phelps

There are two things that everyone in the world needs. One is air to breathe and the other is food to eat. Those in the Food Service Sales career are responsible for selling food and food related items to the establishments that help people meet their second need of eating food.

Food Service Sales Reps almost always represent a restaurant supply distributor though some may work exclusively for food distributors. But no matter who a Food Service Sales Rep works for, they should expect stiff competition, a lot of networking and a job that extends beyond the normal working hours.

Manufacturer's Representatives

Much like Independent Sales Reps, Manufacturer's Representatives sell products for a specific manufacturer. While there is seldom a rule that demands that a sales professional represents only one manufacturer, most manufacturers prefer that their reps sell only their products.

For those with excellent time management and professional networking skills, selling for a manufacturer (or two) offers numerous rewards and benefits.