You could do a degree before applying to join a company's graduate training scheme in sales. Most subjects are acceptable, for example business and marketing.

If you want to work in a specialist area of sales, you may need a degree related to that field, such as:

• information technology
• biomedical engineering
• pharmaceutical science

Languages could also be useful, especially if you want to work with a company that sells worldwide.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

You could apply to do an apprenticeship, such as:

• Customer Service Practitioner Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
• IT Technical Salesperson Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Sales Executive Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
• Business to Business Sales Professional Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships in marketing or retail may also give you useful skills for this career.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

You could start as an administrator in a sales office and move into a sales position after doing an apprenticeship or in-house training on the job.

You can apply directly for sales jobs.

Employers will set their own entry requirements but will expect applicants to have confidence, enthusiasm and excellent communication skills. Sales or customer service experience will also be very useful.

You'll need:

• the ability to sell products and services
• customer service skills
• persuading and negotiating skills
• persistence and determination
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to work well with others
• to be flexible and open to change
• administration skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

As a sales representative, you will:

• contact new and existing customers
• give presentations to promote new products and services
• offer sales quotes and agree prices and delivery schedules
• provide an after-sales service for enquiries and issues
• attend sales conferences and product launches
• keep track of industry trends
• meet sales targets

You could work in an office, from home, in a contact centre or at a client's business.