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

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• have a bachelor's degree; and
• have one to five years of experience in sales.

Education after high school

Many sales managers have a bachelor's or master's degree. Common areas of study are marketing, business administration, and management. Some sales managers need a bachelor's degree in science or engineering and a master's in business administration (MBA). These managers typically work for companies that sell technical products, such as pharmaceuticals.

Regardless of major, you should take courses in marketing, economics, and accounting. In addition, you should take finance, statistics, and market research. You should also take courses such as international and interactive marketing, information technology, and marketing communication.

Work experience

This is not an entry-level occupation. You must prove yourself as a sales representative or product specialist before you can move into it. Most sales managers work for several years in sales or as product specialists before becoming managers.

On-the-job training

You should consider participating in an internship while in college. An internship is usually part of a four-year degree program. It offers you a chance to apply what you have learned in the classroom to a work situation. It also allows you to build skills and make contacts with people in the field.

Some companies have in-house management training programs. They may also pay for college courses you take to improve your skills.