Stephen Harrison
- Stephen Harrison is Divisional Manager for Reed Graduates, which is one of more than 30 sector and professional specialism's within Reed Specialist Recruitment. Stephen has a BA Hons in Politics and Economic History, and eight years' recruitment experience. He began as a Recruitment Consultant and was a successful Business Manager before being promoted to Divisional Manager.
The profession
Careers in Sales - the industry sectors
Sales Representative
This is a common entry point, with graduates working to promote their company's goods or service to new or existing clients. As well as your degree, you will need confidence, excellent communication skills and a full driving license. You should be prepared to spend a large amount of time 'on the road' visiting your clients, away from home and base. A company car or car allowance is fairly standard with this type of position.
Technical Sales
Sales ability is just as important in technical sales roles as in other sectors, but due to the technical nature of the position and the need to fully understand client requirement and respond accordingly, graduates need a relevant degree to apply for sales roles within engineering or the petrochemical sector. The international nature of many of the companies in this sector can mean that these positions often involve international travel or periods working overseas.
Pharmaceutical Sales
If you have a degree in life sciences or pharmacy, then a career as a Pharmaceutical sales rep selling drugs and medical products to GP's, hospital specialists and pharmacists is an option for you. Training is more technical and intensive in this field and pharma sales professionals are required to pass an exam set by the British Pharmaceutical Industry. Career development into account management is an option and rewards are high in this very competitive industry.
Media Sales
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