A Step by Step Approach to Getting a Sales Internship
Sales - it's one of the most interesting career options known to
mankind. It's very dynamic and can be very rewarding in more
ways than one - that is, if you are able to master the art. And
though it seems to be an inevitable part of our everyday
commercial life, not everyone can pursue a career in sales.
Claiming that you have read many books on sales and marketing
and that you're familiar with a variety of sales techniques may
be a good first step but may not be enough. Oftentimes, it's
only through hands-on experience that one can truly learn the
ropes and determine if he or she has the makings of a successful
salesperson. As such, obtaining a sales internship is relevant.
By getting a sales internship, you will be able to gain the
required sales experience while at the same time, you're able to
put your textbook knowledge to the test. A sales internship is
the perfect venue to develop the skills and learn
tried-and-tested sales techniques such as recognizing both
verbal and non-verbal buying signals in order to successfully
close a sale.
Getting a Sales Internship Step-by-Step
First, identify which field in sales you would like to pursue.
Is it in real estate? Pharmaceutical sales? From here, create a
list of your strengths and weaknesses. You don't have to zero in
on particular job position but you should be able to more or
less gauge where you fit best in sales.
Make a list of people in sales you already know and start
contacting them. If you don't know anybody in sales, start
soliciting informational interviews. By meeting up with these
people, you not only get to know more about the sales sector you
like but also get start networking a bit. You never know who you
might meet that is offering a sales internship or knows someone
who does.
Now you need to seek sales internship opportunities but before
you do, ask yourself if you are open to getting either a paid or
non-paid internships. Paid internships are of course better but
non-paid ones may be easier to come along so do keep your
options open if getting a salary immediately is not an issue.
If you are still attending college, then one of the best places
to start is your college's Career Services department. They will
likely have a list of resources you can approach. If you are
in-between jobs or currently unemployed then check out marketing
or sales firms in your area and contact them. Remember, you have
nothing to lose here by doing this.
Lastly, if it's just sales experience you need then why not
venture out on your own first before seeking a sales position in
a major firm? For instance, sign up as a distributor of products
and start selling them!
A sales internship is a great opportunity for you to develop the
confidence and aggressiveness that salespeople are often famous
(or infamous) for. By actually talking to people - whether
face-to-face or over the phone as a telemarketer - you will be
able to hone your communication skills as well as your
interpersonal skills, which include active listening,
establishing good rapport and even handling small talk.
A sales internship also provides you with the much-needed
exposure so you may begin networking and having contacts in
different sectors of the industry.