Sales and Marketing Technology Skills Guidelines

Recommended High School Level Background Courses

• Reading Comprehension

• English Comprehension

• Speech

• Marketing

• Economics

• Social Studies

• Business

• Accounting

• Current Events

• Algebra I

• Algebra II

• Computer Basics

• Communication Technology

• Electronic Presentations

• Study Skills

• Service Learning

Basic Skills in the Program and on the Job

Technical Learning
Sales people are an essential part of keeping the world’s economy moving forward. Today’s sales people are the vital link between the world’s producers of products and the ultimate customers for those products. It’s very important that high school students take classes in subjects that will help them understand how the world economy works and how business today are tied into that economy.

Reading
Students in this program must learn the importance of being able to review customers’ needs through specifications and financial reports that are written at a college level. These reports are what help the sales representative determine what will be needed to be done to satisfy these customer needs. Additional readings will include company profiles, trade publications and news publications such as the Wall Street Journal.

Language
Sales representatives must be able to communicate efficiently with prospects and customers. With this in mind proper English, spelling and sentence structure will be required by all students in their written assignments. This will also be expected in open classroom discussions and group interactions.

Math
Sales representatives are constantly being challenged to prepare sales proposals containing detailed specifications and pricing information. Effective math skills are needed to perform these tasks. High school courses in algebra will help students succeed in this program.

Learning
Students will need strong reasoning skills, problem solving skills and time management skills. The ability to communicate and deal effectively with all types of people is a critical skill.

Career Options

Every marketer needs a sales professional capable of selling their goods and services. Professional sales positions are available for virtually every type of product or service in the business to business and consumer markets.

Skills covered in the sales course work

• Professional selling process

• Marketing techniques

• Advertising

• Building strong customer relationships

• Negotiating

• Problem solving

• Time management

• Goal building

• Self-motivation

• Team building