To work as a sales worker supervisor, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• have several years of work experience in sales.

Education after high school

While not required, some sales worker supervisors have an associate or bachelor's degree. Recommended areas of study are business management and administration, accounting, or marketing.

Work experience

This is not an entry-level occupation. You generally work your way up to this profession. Many sales worker supervisors learn their skills through work experience in retail sales. They start out as sales clerks or customer service workers. In these occupations, you learn how to deal with customers. You also become familiar with products, merchandise, and the store.

On-the-job training

Sales worker supervisors periodically attend conferences, seminars, and conventions. At these events, you learn about new products and sales incentive programs. You may also meet with product representatives, other sales managers, and company executives to share ideas.

Many companies have formal management training programs that last from one to three years. In these programs you learn how to interview job applicants, deal with customers, and manage inventory. You also study in marketing, purchasing, and product display.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be sales managers. You need a bachelor's degree to enter this military occupation. Training lasts from five to ten weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.