I may have an opportunuty for employement in technical sales I was wondering has anyone every done this work before and if you have could you kind of give me an idea of what to expect if I decide to take a job like this ! Any problems ? Thanks !
I have not done this type of job, but basically you are a sales person with Technical knowledge. Not a hands on kind of job. I think doing this kind of job you loose your hands on technical skills. Just my thought....
It really depends upon the company. In most cases you do lose a lot of your technical skills, but in some cases you have to be able to go to the potential customer site and display your wares. In that case you need to know how to install, trouble shoot, and operate whatever the company is selling. All in all technical sales is sales and is therefore considered bad by most techies. The really good point though is you are having a direct effect on the companies bottom line. Translation, if you are good at this job you will make more money then any techie in the firm. The bad is if for some reason you do not make any/many sales your salary will be low and you may get fired. John
Thank you foryour anwsers! You have helped me understand this job a little better but I still have a few questions. so , technical sales is closer marketing ? why do you think you lose your technical skills? Dont you haveto know alot more to explain what the equipment is and how it works to lamens or am I wrong? You said you make more money that a tech that is working hands on? So would think it would be possible to do this type of job on a part time basis or do you think this is a full time job anfd you couldnt possibly hold another job at the same time?The reason I ask was thinking about doing this type of job to help me pay back my student loans and also a side job while I work some where else entry level to gain more experience do you think this is possible? Thanks again!
It really depends upon the company you would be working for. Most of the jobs are going to be full time and most (or at least a significant number) will involve travel. Traveling to your potential customers and traveling to trade shows is the life blood of many in technical sales. As for the salary. Almost any individual that can place themselves directly into the revenue path of the company can be worth their weight in gold. Sales happens to be one of those jobs that directly affects the companies bottom line so if your good at it be ready to buy a bigger wallet.
Most sales jobs are going to be full time. Independent consultants can be part-time. You will have to have a deep understanding of the equipment/software so you can explain the benefits to the customer but typically you will not get into the install and repair of the equipment.
