What does a Sales Intern do?
A Sales Intern may gain real-world experience as part of a college program or at the entry level to make a career shift. Sales Interns may be hired for pay by companies or work to earn credit for a college program to meet graduation requirements. The Sales Intern observes and supports the sales manager and sales team in any way possible. They are delegated specific tasks to carry out but should also take initiative to ask questions and take notes. Sales Interns may interact with or have duties overlapping with Marketing Interns, depending on which company they complete their internship with.
Sales Intern skills and qualifications
Sales Interns should have a specific set of skills to be successful in this role. These include:
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Enrollment in a marketing or business program
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Ability to take initiative
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Ability to navigate fast-paced environments
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Strong interpersonal skills
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Positive attitude
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Collaborative spirit
Sales Intern experience requirements
The purpose of a Sales Intern role is to provide those entering the industry with some practical experience they can add to their resume. There is usually no previous professional work experience required to secure a Sales Intern position. However, individuals who have prior work experience as part-time sales associates may already possess some of the skills necessary to succeed as a Sales Intern.
Sales Intern education and training requirements
Since the Sales Intern position is entry level, the education and training requirements for an applicant to be qualified are minimal. Successful applicants should have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED). If the applicant has graduated from or is currently enrolled in a degree program in marketing, business or a related field, this is an asset. Courses in sales, marketing, conflict resolution or conflict management can be beneficial as well.
Sales Intern salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Sales Intern is $36,598 per year. However, this amount can vary drastically based on factors such as the duration of the internship, the company hiring the intern and the level of responsibility interns at that company are expected to take on.
Job description samples for similar positions
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Frequently asked questions about Sales Intern
How can you make your Sales Intern job description stand out?
To help your job posting stand out and attract top talent to your company, include details about the internship opportunity that are unique. For example, if you offer an honorarium in addition to school credit, advertise this. If you pay above minimum wage for a Sales Intern role, this may make your opportunity more attractive than companies paying the bare minimum. If you have flexible hours or the internship includes paid time off, be sure to advertise these perks in your job posting.
What should you look for in a Sales Intern resume?
The first section to look at when reviewing a Sales Intern’s resume is their education and training. Most applicants to an internship position will be enrolled in or have recently graduated from a college degree program. Look at what field they studied and whether they have already graduated or if they require internship hours as part of their course credits. Besides having a relevant educational background, you’ll want to look at their skills and evaluate whether the skills they’ve included demonstrate an understanding of the sales industry.
What is the difference between a Sales Intern and Marketing Intern?
The level of pay and experience is similar for a Sales Intern and a Marketing Intern, but the nature of each job is different. While a Marketing Intern targets potential customers through advertising and engaging with them, a Sales Intern works with clients who have already expressed interest in a product or service. A Marketing Intern aims to attract leads through various advertising strategies, while a Sales Intern works to convert the lead into a customer.
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