Oscar Holloway

Student

Finding a part time sales job while still in college?

Hey everyone, I have finally worked up the nerves to make a post here! While I have tons and tons of questions that I would love to unload in this one post, I figured I should keep it small for now since I'm still reading through all of the old threads that probably already have my answers. I'm an advertising student right now, with a focus in Account Management which is slightly different in an advertising firm but I have become really interested in the sales side of it. Any information on resources for learning sales and the field is greatly appreciated, I have been reading the books that everyone here recommends like "Never Split The Difference". But back to my main question, I see many saying that the best way to learn is simply experience. Does anyone have any history of working a sales job while still going to college full-time? I have read that door to door is grueling but worth it but I don't know how it lines up with my classes schedules, which is definitely something I need to look into more. Are there other forms of sales or positions that I might be able to work out part-time or even remotely? I appreciate anyone saying to live out my college years while I have them, but unfortunately I was 18 and not thinking about the debt I was putting myself into (an unordinary amount for the average person going to school for what I am). So I feel I should have as much underneath me as possible to be prepared for graduation and hitting the real world right away to save myself financially!

9

19 comments

Sort by:

antiASKHOLE

Tycoon

5

Bravado's Resident Asshole

start looking for paid internships.

2

Student

This is something I have been trying to do, but I am worried that with no experience in sales it might be difficult to even catch an internship. For context, I live in Philadelphia so I feel like every opening is very competitive. I'll definitely start looking and applying to more.

antiASKHOLE

Tycoon

3

Bravado's Resident Asshole

internships are FOR experience. You have to give yourself a chance and please take this understanding I mean it sincerely and not negative.. but you need to grow a self image too. Confidence is who you are and what you are looking to accomplish is going to help you stand out.

1

Student

Something I have been working on, and I am feeling better as I learn more too. I appreciate your responses a lot. I just needed that reminder, thanks!

Pachacuti

Politicker

1

They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy

If he's 18, no one is going to pay him till he's a Jr/Sr in college.

antiASKHOLE

Tycoon

1

Bravado's Resident Asshole

it said he "was 18" so I'm assuming he is older now?

1

Student

Yeah, I am about to be a junior. I meant that I didn't quite understand debt and money as well when I was 18 hahaha

Pachacuti

Politicker

1

They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy

Then a paid internship is an option. But those are usually summer-based as well.

antiASKHOLE

Tycoon

1

Bravado's Resident Asshole

It may just be an area specific thing. Central Florida is an animal in and of itself. paid internships go year-round.

Sunbunny31

Politicker

2

Sr Sales Executive 🐰

So a couple of thoughts. First of all, thank you for looking through existing posts and for a thoughtful question here.
Next, does your college have a career center? It may be that there are postings there for part time jobs at companies in your space, or internships, or other possible avenues to engaging with companies. I'd definitely work with any career counselor or college ambassador to find openings or at least get on a list for news as it comes up.
Do you have a list of companies you'd like to focus on? Sometimes having a target list helps you focus. Check those sites for openings and/or student-focused entry level positions. I know many tech companies have areas of practice around engaging students. Maybe you'll find something suitable there.
That's where I'd start. Hope some others have additional ideas for you.

1

Student

Yes, they do but I am in our communications college which has openings for a lot more creative/advertising based openings. I can try to get in contact with the business college and see if I can get put on their lists.
No, I don't. To be honest I don't know that much about the job market for sales, but I think in a long-term I would definitely like to make it into the massive names like Google, AWS or something like IBM. I'll definitely look into some more local companies that my college may have some pull at. Thanks!

Sunbunny31

Politicker

1

Sr Sales Executive 🐰

I was thinking along the lines of paid media advertising sales so it keeps you in your vertical but with a different aspect. But - you've gotten some great suggestions, so hopefully something will pan out.

CuriousFox

WR Officer

2

🦊

@Gasty you know of any part time gigs?

Gasty

Notable Contributor

1

War Room Community Manager

A few, not a lot. Checking. Thanks for tagging, fox

Pachacuti

Politicker

1

They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy

Full time Summer Door to door can definitely pay. Pest control, Solar, Security Systems, etc. Its a grind and you walk your 🍑 off. But I know guys that have made on the low end $20k and on the high end $80k for 4 months of work. You're a bit late for that kind of gig now, but look into it for next summer.

For right now, I would look into some sort of part-time retail sales gig. To get your foot in the technology door, I'd look at one of the cell phone carriers or a Best Buy.

Finally, if you can manage it, I would look at an online buy/sell hustle. Set up an eBay or other type of store and see how that works for you. If you take an entrepreneur class, this kind of business can go a long way.

Good luck with school!

1

Student

I hadn't thought about retail as an option, and thanks!

Kosta_Konfucius

Politicker

1

Sales Rep

Join a sales club, I am sure there is one. I assume there will be companies looking for interns, network with them to land a role

pirate

Big Shot

0

🦜☠️ Account Executive

Try call centers. They often take part timers and job is close to SDR and BDR one.

Justatitle

Big Shot

0

Account Executive

look around for junior BDR/SDR roles

Bravado is a community of trusted sales professionals endorsed by their customers.

Products

The War Room Jobs Salary Guide Tech Sales U

Company

About Us How It Works Blog Bug Bounty

Contact

© 2024 Bravado Inc. All rights reserved.

Privacy Policy Legal and Privacy Center Sales Jobs

If you are hired as a contract sales rep by a Bravado customer, we may ask you to prove access to the employee email account provided to you by that customer. This data will be shared with customers to track your sales productivity; customers can use this data to confirm you meet the minimum activity requirements to pay out your ramp stipend and commission.