Top 10 jobs in sales

Sales occupations, from selling cars, financial services and real estate to selling clothing, industrial products or pharmaceuticals, employ millions of workers in the U.S. Retail alone accounts for about 4.5 million jobs, with wholesalers, account executives, sales engineers and sellers of financial products adding millions more, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

While a high school education and on-the-job training have traditionally been enough to succeed in sales, particularly in retail, many sales occupations are increasingly calling for employees to have a college degree. For experienced sales representatives, there are also professional certifications available through organizations such as the Manufacturers' Representatives Education Research Foundation.

Media account executive: As a sales agent for advertising in various types of media, an account executive helps generate much of the revenue that supports publications, TV and radio broadcasts, direct mail and online advertisements. Some account executives work on local accounts and some solicit national clients, often for a particular media outlet. Others represent clients as media buyers at advertising agencies.

Sales engineer: These sales personnel often have an engineering degree because they are dealing with technologically or scientifically advanced products that may be customized to their clients' needs. Some sales engineers work for the companies that produce technical products and others for independent sales firms. They also may team up with other inside or outside sales personnel, while they concentrate on the technical aspects of the products.

Sales representative: Sometimes referred to as manufacturers' agents, they work for wholesalers and manufacturers whose products they sell to businesses, government agencies or organizations. Sales reps often attend trade shows and conferences to learn about new products, and they may partner with a technical expert who explains the products' capabilities at sales presentations. Some represent a single manufacturer or product line, while others may sell multiple product lines and brands.

Product demonstrator: Through demonstrations of a product, these salespeople introduce new products to the public and generate sales through promotional efforts such as contests, coupons and free samples. They often sell cosmetics, food or housewares in retail stores, but demonstrators may also show other products at shopping malls, trade shows and outdoor fairs. These demonstrators impart information about the product and give presentations to create brand awareness.

Sales manager: Supervisors of sales forces not only manage a team of sales people, they often handle administrative duties and personnel matters to hire and train new employees. They are experienced sales professionals, often with a college degree, who address customer concerns, implement company policies, coordinate promotions and review inventory and sales records. They may oversee particular departments or an entire operation, depending on the size of the business. Non-retail sales managers coordinate their sales forces, approve sales contracts and address advertising needs.

Pharmaceutical sales: While inside sales representatives spend most of their time taking products orders and resolving merchandise issues, outside sales representatives such as pharmaceutical salespeople make the rounds of current and prospective customers. With the growth in pharmaceutical products, those in this line of work deal with pharmacies, doctors' offices, hospitals and other health care settings that purchase medicines and health-related products. They determine the client's needs and show samples or catalogs on their products, which may be from one company or complementary items from different manufacturers.

Insurance sales agent: In addition to life, health, and disability plans, insurance agents may also sell financial products such as mutual funds and variable annuities. Those products, which may be tied to a client's retirement, and long-term care insurance are growth products needed by the aging U.S. population. Insurance agents generally have a college degree and frequently gain sales experience in other industries before entering the insurance field. They also must pass a state exam to obtain their selling license.

Retail sales: Salespeople in retail are selling consumer goods and assisting customers at clothing and department stores, building supplies chains, warehouse clubs and car dealerships. They also may help stock inventory and set up displays. For sales jobs involving expensive or complex items, retail sales reps may need special knowledge about the products they sell. They also may need to know their companies' service and credit policies and security procedures.

Financial sales: Banks have increased the types of financial products they offer beyond accounts and loans, and investment bankers sell by connecting businesses that need funding with investors to provide funding in exchange for debt or equity. In securities, the sales agent is a stock broker who advises clients on investment needs then earns a commission when the transactions are finalized. A business or finance degree is necessary for such jobs.

International sales: Opportunities for a sales career overseas may be available with large companies that have global operations. In addition to sales experience, an assignment overseas may require some familiarity with local culture and language as well as an understanding of how American sales philosophy fits with the business practices in the host country.