Localize Your School Search
Degrees and Schools
While some employers expect sales managers to have a bachelor's or master's degree in business administration, journalism or advertising, many sales managers are promoted from within after consistently meeting and exceeding sales goals. High-tech companies often seek sales managers with a bachelor's degree in engineering or science.
Classes
In school, aspiring sales managers typically study:
- Advertising, communications and sales
- Market research and data analysis
- Economics, accounting and finance
- Management and business law
- Mathematics and statistics
- Psychology and consumer behavior
- Creative writing, journalism and public speaking
Internships or related work experience are valuable for demonstrating employability to prospective hiring companies.
Online Classes and Programs
There are many online sales and marketing degree programs available, from associate's to master's degrees. These programs offer convenience, but may not offer internships or job placement assistance. There are also many online classes and non-degree programs designed to help salespeople improve their performance.
Look for accreditation through direct-learning oversight organizations when comparing programs.
Employment Requirements
Many employers require that candidates hold a bachelor's degree in business, advertising or journalism. In some industries technical degrees, such as in engineering or sciences, may be required or at least desirable.
How to Evaluate Schools
Prospective sales management students should evaluate bachelor's and master's degree programs in business, journalism or advertising for:
- Course offerings and focus - How much emphasis is placed on sales technique, public speaking / presentation and managing goals? Is there significant emphasis placed on marketing?
- Tuition, fees and amenities - Does the school offer substantial assistance to students seeking financial aid such as scholarships, grants, student loans and work/study? Do career centers, recreational facilities, libraries, online resources and other amenities add value as well as additional cost to tuition?
- Class size and experiential learning - Consider the student-teacher ratio - are popular classes crowded or hard to get into? Does the school arrange internships where students can gain relevant experience within desirable opportunities?
- Graduate success - In the last several years, how many graduating students have successfully found work through the school's career center?
Sales Manager Job Description
Advertising and marketing generate prospective customers for companies that sell products and/or services. So do salespeople as they call, email, fax and personally visit potential customers. Once a prospect has been validated by certain criteria, they are considered a lead; salespeople are responsible for converting these leads to sales. Sales managers oversee and direct sales activity in order to meet organizational goals.
Their responsibilities often include:
- Assigning and managing sales territories
- Setting and tracking progress toward goals
- Sales to high profile clients
- Training and motivating staff
- Working with marketers to identify new products that meet customers' needs
- Capturing and analyzing sales data to determine sales potential
- Monitoring inventory requirements
- Mentoring subordinates in sales techniques
- Managing regional and local sales staff
- Regularly communicating with distributors and dealers
Most sales managers travel frequently to visit clients, present at events and attend trade shows. They work closely with staff in departments such as marketing and advertising, database and IT, and production / fulfillment.
Online Course Finder
Find the path to your
education in 3 easy steps.
