Buzz
Apart from the field of Information Technology, sales positions are also highly sought-after, presenting expansive career opportunities as most companies and enterprises require roles akin to accounting positions. Consequently, many individuals opt for and aspire to pursue this profession; however, many are unsure of which educational institution is best suited for a career in sales.
Is the role of a salesperson challenging or straightforward?
I. Understanding the Role of Sales Professionals
A sales professional (alternatively termed as a Sales Supervisor or Sales Executive) is a career involving tasks related to marketing and brokerage. The primary responsibility of a sales professional is to promote goods, products, and services, ultimately yielding substantial profits and revenue streams.
In reality, the field of sales is currently experiencing a significant shortage of manpower, yet it remains fiercely competitive. Hence, it's essential to carefully consider and thoroughly research to make informed decisions regarding one's career path.
II. The Importance of Formal Training in the Business Sector
Expansive Career Opportunities in the Business Sector
Currently, sales personnel are categorized into two main types:
- Those who undergo structured training through formal education
- Those who gain practical experience, extracting valuable business lessons for development
Sales personnel who gain practical experience and draw lessons from their experiences will pay a higher price, as they must invest considerable effort, time, dedication, and endure numerous failures to achieve success.
On the other hand, sales personnel who undergo formal training will have several advantages. In universities and colleges, they will receive guidance from instructors on developing strategies, market analysis, competitor analysis, and identifying the strengths and weaknesses of products. Therefore, when they enter the workforce, they already have a direction, enabling them to quickly engage in their work with less ambiguity. However, to achieve success, they still need to extract lessons from real-world experiences.
Hence, it's crucial to combine classroom learning with practical experience to achieve early success and avoid unnecessary risks.
III. Essential Qualities of Sales Personnel
Sales personnel are considered versatile professionals, thus requiring the following essential qualities:
- Passion and Aspiration: Sales professionals need to set goals, plan, and most importantly, possess great passion and aspirations to achieve those goals. Therefore, with passion and effort, the job will yield excellent results.
- Perseverance: There will be numerous challenges and rejections from customers, but these should serve as motivation for sales personnel to seek and provide useful solutions to persuade customers. Without perseverance, it's difficult to come up with these solutions.
- Independence: Having independence enables sales personnel to work more proactively, knowing how to plan, organize, and prioritize tasks accordingly.
- Negotiation and Customer Persuasion Skills: Negotiation and communication skills are essential qualities for sales personnel. Building good relationships with customers accounts for 80% of success in sales.
- Optimism and Positive Thinking: Sales personnel need to think positively and optimistically. This allows them to perceive problems in the best light. Instead of becoming discouraged by failure, they extract valuable lessons to work more effectively in the future.
IV. Roles and Responsibilities of a Salesperson
Sales personnel undertake various tasks such as planning, facilitating contract processes, etc.
Many college graduates often opt for temporary jobs or sales positions to earn extra income while waiting for a job in their field of study. However, few choose careers in business due to the pressure often associated with sales targets. So what exactly does a salesperson do? Here are the responsibilities:
- Maintain business relationships
- Present business plans to the sales department head
- Familiarize themselves with the company's products
- Understand customer interaction processes, handle complaints, etc.
- Handle contracts
- Drive contract processes
- Enhance knowledge
- Demonstrate self-worth
To become a proficient salesperson, individuals need to:
- Master product information, service offerings, sales policies, competitors, and customers' profiles...
- Acquire market intelligence, assess future market trends...
- Communication skills
- Attire and demeanor reflect respect for customers, projecting confidence.
- Monitor project progress and feedback from customers.
V. What Field Should Salespersons Study? Which Schools?
Do salespeople need a degree? As mentioned earlier, salespeople can receive formal training through education or through real-world experience. Therefore, regardless of your field of study, if you possess the necessary skills and qualities of a salesperson, you can become one. However, studying certain fields will ensure that upon graduation, you have a solid knowledge base and direction for your career as a salesperson. Some of the fields below will help you pursue this hot profession:
1. Business Administration:
Studying Business Administration will provide you with opportunities to learn excellent business management skills such as fundraising, employee management, product promotion... This field of study is extremely suitable for those who have a passion for pursuing business.
The top schools for Business Administration education currently include:
- In Hanoi: National Economics University, Foreign Trade University - Hanoi Campus, University of Economics - Vietnam National University Hanoi, Banking Academy, Academy of Finance ...
- In Ho Chi Minh City: Foreign Trade University - HCMC Campus, University of Economics, Academy of Finance, International University - Vietnam National University HCMC ...
- In Danang: University of Economics - University of Danang, Danang Architecture University, Duy Tan University ...
2. Psychology
Studying Psychology enables you to learn communication skills and understand human psychology, making it easier for you to win over any customer, whether as a HR specialist, in communication, or as a salesperson.
The top schools for Psychology education nationwide include:
- Hanoi National University of Education
- University of Labor and Social Affairs
- University of Journalism and Communication
- University of Social Sciences and Humanities - Hanoi National University
- Academy of Educational Management
- Ho Chi Minh City University of Education
- University of Social Sciences and Humanities - Ho Chi Minh City National University
- Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology
- University of Education - University of Danang
- Hong Duc University
- Quy Nhon University
- Hue University of Education
3. Marketing
Marketing plays a crucial role in business, encompassing activities directed towards customers to satisfy their needs and desires through marketing and product promotion. The goal of Marketing is to bridge the gap between customers and businesses. This field trains students in various marketing-related areas such as market research, product distribution program design, product promotion... with related subjects including Sales Management, pricing and distribution strategies, consumer behavior...
Top universities offering Marketing programs in Vietnam:
- In the North: National Economics University, Foreign Trade University, Posts and Telecommunications Institute of Technology.
- In the South: University of Finance - Marketing, Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics, University of Economics - Law, University of Finance and Marketing, Minh Anh Management and Development Academy...
4. Media and Social Sciences
This field will provide you with the best knowledge of society and culture, equipping you with essential knowledge and skills, especially in communication. This is the factor that builds trust with customers.
Top universities offering Media and Social Sciences programs:
- Academy of Journalism and Communication
- University of Social Sciences and Humanities - Vietnam National University, Hanoi
- Military Culture and Arts University
- University of Social Sciences and Humanities - Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City
- Hanoi University of Culture
- Hanoi Radio and Television College I
- Hue University of Science
VI. Is it worth becoming a salesperson?
Currently, working in a different field is quite common among young people, where many succeed but also many fail. However, don't worry too much about working in a different field or taking on high-pressure jobs like sales.
The most important thing to note is whether you know which profession suits your needs and interests, and whether you have the determination and passion to pursue it.
In reality, many IT and engineering students find themselves not passionate about their field upon graduation. Instead, they discover a passion for business and pursue a career in sales.
If you feel inclined towards a career in sales but lack formal qualifications, you can still apply for sales positions in companies hiring sales staff. With experience and learning on the job, you can achieve success in your chosen profession.
Choosing the right school to prepare for a career in sales is a crucial decision that can streamline your path to becoming a well-trained salesperson. With the helpful information provided, hopefully, you can make an informed choice about the appropriate school.
