Career Pathing for the Ideal Industrial Sales Job
Many of us find ourselves miles away from where we would like to be. That is where "Career Pathing" comes into play. Career Pathing can play a significant role in securing the right industrial sales job for you.
There are countless jobs in sales, but sales jobs are not created equal. Think of "Career Pathing" as a roadmap for your professional life. Just as there are unlimited ways to get from New York to Los Angeles there are unlimited ways to get from your current job to your "perfect" job!
Some methods and destinations will take longer, but if you keep your eye firmly focused on your goal, "Career Pathing" can help you get there. Here are some steps to help you evaluate your next step:
- Objectively determine all the skills that you need in order to be successful at the job you want.
- Take a candid, realistic look at your current skills -- get objective help and coaching in your self-assessment if needed.
- Determine which skills need further development for a given job and build a roadmap to gain these skills.
What are your next steps in your industrial sales career path?
Your progress is going to depend on your response to the previously mentioned steps. Some next steps might include taking classes at a local college or business school, or gaining certifications. Some paths might require obtaining an advanced degree or additional professional experience. Some next steps might include leveraging your existing experience and selling your potential to a preferred employer. Regardless, you will find that by carefully planning your moves, you will gain the skills and experience that will make you a viable candidate for that dream job.
Example of a career path for a high level industrial sales position
I decide that I want to sell navigation systems to NASA. I currently sell Toyotas at the local Autoplex. Although I have a Bachelors Degree in Business, the jobs for advanced navigations require an engineering background so I decide to take some engineering courses over the next several years. By adding 16 hours of engineering to my current degree, I should be able to get my foot in the door somewhere. Next let's add networking with current contacts and also search the job boards for jobs that involve selling diagnostic equipment to car dealers. I should now be in a position to approach companies whose business involves sophisticated engine diagnostic products. Perhaps that sales manager I met at the trade show last year who sells to Lockheed-Martin might be a helpful contact in my current quest. If successful, the experience in propulsion testing at Lockheed will put me a short step away from NASA.
Industial Supplies - Industrial Sales>
Every Hi-Line representative manages a territory, similar to a route sales position, where quality industrial supplies are delivered directly to the customer's bins.
If you enjoy the industrial community, working with people, and being your own boss, then contact Hi-Line at industrialsales@hi-line.com for a rewarding career in industrial sales.