How to Become a Sales Executive
To attain a high-profile, high-paying career as a sales executive, you’ll generally need to have some experience working as a sales representative and a track record of success. Because of the visibility and responsibility associated with this role, most employers seek candidates with a degree or some formal executive sales training. It can take time and a concerted effort to achieve a sales executive position, but the prestige and impressive earning potential of this job are well worth your endeavors.
Sales Experience
While executive sales training is a huge asset to anyone aspiring to a sales executive role, it’s no substitute for hands-on experience. Companies look for applicants with demonstrated knowledge of key sales techniques and a proven ability to successfully close sales. Typically, you’ll need to have at least five years of experience as a sales representative before you’ll be considered for a sales executive position. Employers want to see that you know how to establish strong relationships with customers and your fellow sales representatives, since you need to be able to lead, motivate and inspire a sales force. Ideally, previous sales experience and executive sales training should both be featured prominently on your résumé.
Choose Your Industry
No matter what industry you have experience in or where your interests lie, you can parlay your talents into a career as a sales executive. As a sales representative, you can easily transition your skills from one field to another – although you’ll always have greater opportunities for success if you have in-depth knowledge in a particular area. However, in the case of a sales executive position, a hiring company will expect you to have a thorough understanding of the opportunities and challenges inherent to a particular industry. A sales executive’s responsibilities include establishing and attaining sales goals, so you have to be aware of the norms and growth potential in your field. If there are several industries you’re interested in exploring, try out different sales representative jobs to determine the best fit, then hone your expertise in one particular area as you prepare to work you way up to a sales executive role.
Professional Sales Education
A sales executive must make important decisions regarding budgets, forecasts and sales goals, so employers prefer to hire candidates with a degree or advanced executive sales training. A bachelor’s degree in business administration provides a solid foundation in finance and management, while marketing or communication degrees indicate a capacity to identify, target and persuade customers. If you aspire to work in a specialized industry such as healthcare or computer science, you will be well served by a degree in a related discipline. Few schools currently offer degree programs in sales, although some offer executive sales training programs.
Earning a degree or completing professional education not only helps you acquire the skills you need to succeed as a sales executive, but it also demonstrates your commitment to excellence. In addition, continuing education courses are a great way to stay abreast of new developments in your field.
Complete University-Backed Executive Sales Training 100% Online
When considering your options for executive sales training, your best bet is to choose a program that won’t interfere with your work responsibilities. After all, most sales representatives need to spend their working hours in pursuit of their sales goals. That’s why online training is proving to be a popular option for many aspiring sales executives. The University of San Francisco (USF) offers a Certificate in Sales and Sales Management that is the only program of its kind: expert-led, university-backed and 100% online.
USF’s certificate program consists of three eight-week certificate courses that are designed to help you make the move from sales representative to sales executive:
The online instructors consist of veteran sales executives who share valuable experience and insights, and all courses are delivered through an advanced, video-based e-learning platform. With lectures available through streaming video, MP4 downloads or CD-ROM, you have the ability to complete your coursework anytime and anywhere. You’ll also be able to tap into the knowledge of your instructors and fellow classmates through online discussion boards, live chat, email and two-way voice over IP (VOIP).
Executive sales training is an important investment, and you want to make sure your credentials will be universally recognized and respected. USF is regionally accredited and consistently ranked as one of “America’s Best Colleges” by U.S. News & World Report, so your certificate will add credibility and prestige to your résumé. You’ll also receive a framed certificate of achievement upon completion of each course and the certificate program, so you’ll have tangible proof that you’re ready to make the transition from sales representative to sales executive, and well equipped to embark on a successful career.
