To work as a sales representative, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• have a bachelor's degree; and
• complete moderate-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

The amount and type of education you need for this occupation depends on the products or services you sell. A high school diploma and proven sales experience are acceptable for some jobs, such as selling consumer products to retail stores. However, you need a strong education background for selling technical products. Selling industrial products, such as machinery or chemicals, may require a degree in engineering or chemistry.

Work experience

Many sales jobs require previous sales experience. Some require technical experience with products. This experience could be installing, repairing, or using the product.

On-the-job training

Many firms have formal training programs for beginning sales representatives. These programs may last up to one year. In some programs, you rotate among jobs in production plants and offices to learn all phases of the operation. In other programs, you take courses and get on-the-job training. As you become familiar with the firm and its products, you take on more responsibility. Eventually, you are assigned your own territory. This type of training may last from six months to a year.

Sales representatives must continually update their knowledge of new products and customer needs. You attend trade shows to learn about new products and sales techniques. You also attend conferences and conventions to meet with clients and other sales representatives to discuss industry changes and concerns.