Any advice for a Sales person without a degree?

18
CadenceCombat
Tycoon
12
Account Executive
Yeah, you're fine. You don't need one. Most don't have a degree in a super relevant field unless you're more on the technical sales side and need to be a subject matter expert in your field.
salesnerd
WR Officer
5
Head of Growth
Avoid the companies that require degrees and seek out the companies that care more about your skills and qualifications. I know that sounds dumb, but I hate when companies are like "degree required". Like oh because I could attend 4 years of bullshit classes I'm a better seller?!

Be up front about it, explain that you used those 4 years to do something else productive (hopefully you did). 
CadenceCombat
Tycoon
0
Account Executive
agreed!
murphmobile
Praised Answer
5
Regional Sales Manager
Experience > Degree in almost every company. If you can deliver revenue and hit quotas then that’s all that matters. I’ve been hired for jobs that listed a degree required and I never graduated. Your first sale is in your interview, so sell the hell out of yourself.
CadenceCombat
Tycoon
0
Account Executive
Agreed!
Sgt.Pepper
Big Shot
4
Sales Enablement Consultant
I don’t have a degree and start all my cover letters by stating that fact.

I then proceed by saying, “now that that’s out of the way, let me tell you about me and why I’m a good fit / and why you should hire me...

at the end of my resume, I have a small section indicating what courses I’ve taken that have helped me grow professionally. 

I also specify that these courses were purchased out of pocket.
Sales4what
Opinionated
2
Co-Founder & VP Sales @ PLURiTy
You’re good. I never finished my degree and I’m pretty far along. It’s mostly who you know, don’t think if it as limiting 
JordyA
Good Citizen
2
Director of Enterprise Sales
I think most people are moving past the degree particularly for sales people. May start as an SDR, or if you are having trouble even getting an opportunity; one of the most creative things I have done is "cold call" a hiring manager to show them how you would prospect by prospecting for a job.
CuriousFox
WR Officer
1
🦊
If you want to attain a degree then go for it! If not, no worries. Just don't apply for Pharmaceutical sales roles. A few Medical sales jobs do not require a degree. You will only know when you read the description. 
DwightsEgo
Politicker
1
BDR Manager
be honest about it (if asked) use your experience wisely and don't let that be something to cloud your mind. 
Kanyebut4sales
WR Lieutenant
1
Account Executive
Early stage start ups rarely ask or care.

Prove that you can do the work and that you’re interested in the mission. Treat your interview like a sales process to display how you work.
businessdevelopment
Opinionated
1
Distribution Lead
Focus on your experience and quantifiable results e.g. track record of meeting or exceeding sales targets, close %, professional referrals, account and customer testimonials, etc. 
funsucker
1
Manager
Don't think you need a degree unless the product you're selling requires the technical knowledge. I will add, the more you can put yourself in your prospects' shoes to figure out why they should buy what you're selling, the better you'll be at closing deals. Learn everything about their role, their world, their day-to-day, and your convos will be much more powerful when spoken in their language.
Yanka
0
Regional Sales Manager
Start as a BDR highlight how other jobs or internships have prepared you for a career in sales (working with customers, upselling, dealing with difficult situations and people, managing teams, etc)
LTYale
0
Public Sector Business Development
You don't need one - unless you want to move into leadership. Pay as little as possible if you feel like you need a degree. You will get more opportunities from your sales accumen, networking, & "politicking"
LTYale
0
Public Sector Business Development
Most sales people don't have other options. It is a cesspool of Liberal Arts/Non-Technical degrees.
SalesPharaoh
Big Shot
0
Senior Account Executive
Don't think you need any degree to get into sales or be a good salesmen. It only matters for people with insecurities and superiority complex
SgtAE
WR Officer
0
AE
Don't worry about degrees, unless you're going for CRO roles honestly experience will trump education in this industry. Specialist sales may change certain needs (e.g medical sales)
avocadobegood
Valued Contributor
0
MM Account Executive
you don't need it, and companies requiring that of their reps are becoming more and more obsolete. 
streaming_n_sales
0
Enterprise Account Executive
Pat yourself on the back because you just saved a bunch of money.
BlueChipEd
0
CRO
Despite what the others have commented here, unfortunately many companies require a degree. While I agree with the others, that it's not relevant, I can appreciate why you are caught in the middle. 

Why companies require a college degree is beyond me. As hiring managers in companies we need to do better in pushing back on this out dated requirement.

However, that doesn't help you now. What I would suggest is building your network. That's the best insurance policy you can have to your own career. Surround yourself with people where you can showcase your talents. Often you can bypass the college degree, and get referrals into jobs. This doesn't help with job boards, but helps you hedge your bet in getting jobs based on your experience instead of a stupid piece of paper.
Mr.Pickles
Arsonist
0
Sr. Customer Success Manager
The suit does not make the swimmer. My advice is to keep learning and improving yourself every single day. Read books, check podcasts, follow relevant content from current sales leaders, and the most important part: Be passionate about this. 
Sales4what
Opinionated
0
Co-Founder & VP Sales @ PLURiTy
Definitely don't need a degree experience in sales will always outweigh a degree
thegreatestsalesperson
Tycoon
0
AE
Don't need a degree.  Would rather someone with relevant experience.  Go take free sales courses and show someone in the interview that you already can sell their product!
MassSadness
Fire Starter
0
Account Executive
Sales is linear, and the numbers don't lie. As long as you are contributing to culture and exceeding targets, a degree should not matter. 
gdzll
Opinionated
0
Sales Development Representative
Do you already have a job? Or are you looking for one?

I would highlight all of your accomplishments, the results you have created, your unique aspects ( essentially your own USP's ) when interviewing. Sales leaders don't look for degree-knowledge. They need to know the following:

- How well you are able to understand customer challenges + pains
- Are you able to uncover this challenge + pain and tie it together with the product that you offer. How does our solution help solve your challenge? This is the essence of modern selling.

Once in:

- Work on your sales process skills ( diligence, negotiation, closing )
- Become EXTREMELY good at prospecting. Source your own deals. Don't sit around waiting for marketing leads. Build an insanely well-qualified pipeline that will help you hit your numbers comfortably.
Chicageaux
0
Midwestern Moneyman / USA Team Lead
I've hired plenty of salespeople without a degree. If you have the personality, can relate to the customer, and know the product, you're a fit. If you want to go back to school, I will always support you to my fullest extent. 
7

Advice: Speaking to recruiters without my company knowing

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Members only

Advice needed- Is a master’s degree worth it?

Question
70
7

Looking to hire a sales internship and seeking advice.

Question
6
If you were in college, would you take a sales internship if it only paid commission?
63% Yes
38% No
80 people voted