The Best Degree for A Career in Sales
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 14,500,000 sales representatives were working in the United States in 2020.
A successful career in sales can be achieved in the retail and wholesale sectors, especially in e-commerce, a field that has seen tremendous growth over the past two decades. A career in sales provides lucrative & exciting professional opportunities.
Individuals who are creative, knowledgeable, and self-motivated will find they can become a top earner with a career in sales. The reality is that even entry-level positions (with only an earned bachelor’s degree online or on-campus) offer opportunities for growth plus a competitive starting wage. A career in sales is often a great path to a satisfying and exciting career for those who have the right attitude & personality.
Seriously interested in a career in sales? Graduates will generally find that possessing strong interpersonal skills is beneficial for a successful sales career. Sales professionals may find rewarding work selling in a business to business, or the business-to-consumer sales model.
What are The Best Degrees for a Career in Sales?
The employment and salary data used in the following analysis has been extracted from the Occupational Outlook Handbook, a website administered by the federal government.
1. Business
The world of business offers a multitude of sales opportunities for those who have earned an on-campus or online business degree from an accredited higher learning institution. One of the many rewarding careers in sales available to graduates with an online business degree is that of a purchase manager/agent or buyer.
A purchasing agent is responsible for buying products and supportive services for businesses and other organizations. Purchasing managers supervise the work of purchasing agents within an organization. If you have earned a business degree online and want to work as a purchasing agent or manager, recognize that this work is generally full-time, often with required overtime, as warranted. Salary expectations for a career in sales with an online business degree are as follows –
- The median yearly salary in 2020 for buyers & purchasing agents was $66,690.
- The median yearly salary in 2020 for purchasing managers was $125,940.
2. Communications
The process of communication includes sharing and understanding a meaningful message. For those grads who hold an on-campus or online communications degree, a career in sales in the realm of communications can offer many options – from retail sales to a manufacturer’s representative. One of the many lucrative careers in sales available to graduates with an online communications degree is that of a manager/specialist in the advertising, promotions & marketing fields.
Advertising, Promotions & Marketing Managers
A promotional or advertising manager is responsible for creating and implementing programs with the specific intention of generating consumer interest in the sale of products or services. Salary expectations for a career in sales with an online communications degree are as follows –
- The median yearly salary in 2020 for advertising/promotions managers was $133,460
- The median yearly salary in 2020 for marketing managers was $42,170.
3. Technology
The field of technology sales offers those who hold an online technology degree a great opportunity that can lead to a rewarding career in sales. At the retail level, students who graduate with an online degree in technology can enter the workforce helping to match consumer needs with technological solutions. One of the many lucrative careers in sales available to graduates with an online technology degree is that of a sales engineer.
A sales engineer is responsible for the sale of complex technological services/products, typically to businesses. Work is generally full-time, with irregular hours needed to meet tight client sales quotas. Salary expectations for a career in sales with an on-campus or online degree in technology are as follows –
- The median yearly salary in 2020 for sales engineers was $108,830.
4. Finance
The field of finance encompasses anything to do with money and investments that holds excellent opportunities for a career in sales for graduates with an earned online finance degree. Sales professionals in finance tend to earn outstanding salaries but work in highly stressful environments. One of the many lucrative careers in sales available to graduates with an online finance degree is that of securities & financial services/sales.
Securities, Financial Services Sales
Graduates who have earned an online finance degree can find rewarding careers in sales, working both buyers & sellers within larger financial markets. Salary expectations for a career in sales with an on-campus or online degree in finance are as follows –
- The median yearly salary in 2020 for securities & financial services sales representatives was $64,770.
5. Marketing
Marketing, defined as the actions that promote/sell a service or product, can be found in most business sectors. Marketing is a fundamental component of business or commerce. One of the many lucrative careers in sales available to graduates with an online marketing degree is that of an advertising sales agent.
Students who wish to pursue a sales career (and hold an earned online degree in marketing) will find rewarding career options across a range of industries that include radio, TV, the Internet, and Advertising Agencies. Salary expectations for a career in sales with an on-campus or online marketing degree are as follows –
- The yearly median salary in 2020 for advertising sales agents was $54,940.
- The yearly median salary in 2020 for advertising sales managers was 132,290.
6. Social Science
Social science majors study how social relationships intersect with human society. IN the modern 21st Century, advertising and promotional work is done online through various social media outlets. Understanding social tools through the use of sales is primarily done by skilled professionals who hold an on-campus or online social science degree. One of the many lucrative careers in sales available to graduates with an online social science degree is in fundraising sales.
Professional fundraisers work to organize and raise money for campaigns/events, working primarily for nonprofit organizations. Salary expectations for a career in sales with an on-campus or online social science degree are as follows –
- The yearly median salary in 2020 for fundraising sales was $59,610.
- The yearly median salary in 2020 for Fundraising Managers was $118,430.
7. Public Relations
The field of public relations seeks to manage and maintain favorable public images for businesses, organizations, and often individuals. One of the many lucrative careers in sales available to graduates with an online public relations degree is that of a public relations specialist.
Graduates who have earned an on-campus or online public relations degree who seek a public relations career in sales will find rewarding work at advertising agencies or public relations firms that require the management of considerable media exposure. Salary expectations for a career in sales with an on-campus or online social science degree are as follows –
- The yearly median salary in 2020 for public relations specialists was $62,810.
- The yearly median salary in 2020 for public relations managers was $118,430.
8. Economics
Economics is the study of data and trends as it relates to goods, services & resources. Many students who hold an on-campus or online economics degree will often find a rewarding career in sales in the fascinating and often complex field of market research.
A market research analyst works with professionals to determine how to spend marketing sales capital and investments. Typically, a market research analyst with an online degree in economics has strong math and analytical background. Salary expectations for a career in sales with an on-campus or online economics degree are as follows –
- The yearly median salary in 2020 for market research analysts was $62,810.
- Similarly, survey researchers had a yearly median salary in 2020 of $59,870
9. Liberal Arts
A liberal arts degree online offers a comprehensive exploration of many subjects ranging from history to philosophy, sociology, and psychology, among others. One of the many lucrative careers in sales available to graduates with an online degree in liberal arts is that of a sales manager.
A sales manager is responsible for managing a business’s sales team. The work is generally full-time, with travel often a part of the job description. Salary expectations for a career in sales with an earned liberal arts degree online or on-campus are as follows –
- The yearly median salary in 2020 for sales managers was $132,290.
10. Psychology
A psychology online degree offers a comprehensive exploration of how the human mind navigates through life. A psychology degree is often a great educational starting point for many sales positions. Graduates with an earned on-campus or online psychology degree will find a plethora of options for a career in sales. One of the many lucrative sales careers available to graduates with an online psychology degree is a manufacturer or wholesale sales representative.
Wholesale & Manufacturing Sales Representatives
Wholesale or manufacturing sales representatives are responsible for selling goods to other businesses, organizations, or government agencies, among others. Specific education requirements may vary, depending on the nature of the work.
Salary expectations for a career in sales with an on-campus or online economics degree are as follows –
- The yearly median salary in 2020 for wholesale or manufacturing sales representatives was $65,420.
Whats required to be a sales professional?
In the modern sales environment, businesses and organizations are looking for professional sales employees who have strong interpersonal skills, including outstanding communication skills, customer service talents, and an inherent ability to self-motivate.
Many sales professionals are required to hold a bachelor’s degree, but due to the nature of the work, on-the-job training is often an integral part of a new sales job. But note that sales professionals tend to work on commission, which offers unlimited potential, but may not be the right fit for every individual who wishes to work in sales.
In addition to the above-noted sales fields, many graduates who hold a relevant online degree will find rewarding sales careers as follows –
- Real Estate Sales – with a median 2020 annual salary of $51,220.
- Travel Agents – with a median 2020 annual salary of $42,350.
- Meeting & Event Planner – with a median 2020 annual salary of $51,560.
- Insurance Sales – with a median 2020 annual salary of $52,180.
- Retail Sales – with a median 2020 annual salary of $27,320.
The reality is that sales professionals tend to work independently, strategizing their next move within the more significant market with existing clients and new prospects. Success, along with the appropriate online degree. Sales success requires self-motivation, the capability to manage stress, exceptional time management skills, and the ability to network to expand their sales numbers.
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