Jobs & Careers

Exploring a sales and business development pathway

If you love working with people, enjoy solving problems, and are driven by achieving results, a career in sales and business development could be the perfect fit. This pathway is all about understanding customer needs, building relationships, and helping businesses grow. Starting from entry-level sales roles, you can develop key skills and gradually move into more strategic positions focused on expanding the reach and success of a company.

Who this path could suit

The sales and business development pathway is ideal for those who are enthusiastic, outgoing, and enjoy working with people. If you’re part of the Linker Cluster, this path could be a great match, as it involves connecting customers with products and services they need. Those in the Coordinator Cluster might also find it appealing, especially if you enjoy planning, setting goals, and managing client relationships to create value.

This path suits people who are self-motivated, persuasive, and enjoy setting and reaching goals. Sales is about more than just transactions—it’s about building trust, understanding customer needs, and finding solutions that fit. Business development takes this a step further, focusing on creating strategic partnerships and driving growth for the company.

High school job – Retail sales or customer service roles

A great way to start in sales is by working in retail or customer service while you’re still in high school. Retail jobs teach you how to interact with customers, understand their needs, and recommend products that suit them. Customer service roles are equally valuable, as they focus on communication, problem-solving, and delivering a positive experience.

These experiences help you develop essential skills like active listening, empathy, and the ability to handle different types of customers—from happy regulars to frustrated first-timers. You’ll also get a feel for working to targets and gain a basic understanding of what motivates people to buy.

Tips

Practice your communication skills: Retail and customer service roles are great opportunities to practice clear communication and learn to read body language—skills that are crucial in sales.
Learn about products: Take time to understand the products or services you’re selling. Customers appreciate when you can provide detailed, knowledgeable advice.
Alternative pathways: If retail isn’t your thing, consider call centre roles or even working at local events where you interact directly with people. These roles still help you develop confidence and interpersonal skills.

Vocational pathway – Course in business sales or marketing

After high school, you could consider a vocational qualification in business sales or marketing. These courses provide you with practical sales techniques, an understanding of consumer behaviour, and training in how to create effective marketing strategies. They also cover key skills like negotiation, customer engagement, and managing sales processes.

These courses are particularly useful if you want to move into roles such as Sales Representative, Account Manager, or Sales Coordinator. These positions are hands-on, allowing you to apply what you’ve learned and continue to refine your selling techniques, while also focusing on building long-term relationships with clients.

Tips

Apply for internships: Many businesses offer internships that allow you to experience the sales process in a more structured way. Look for companies that have well-developed training programs.
Explore different industries: Sales is needed in nearly every industry. Use this time to explore sectors that interest you, like technology, fashion, or hospitality, to find out where you’re most passionate.
Alternative pathways: If sales roles don’t appeal to you, consider marketing-focused courses that still allow you to engage with customers, but in a more behind-the-scenes capacity.

University degree – Bachelor of Business (Sales and Marketing) or Bachelor of Commerce

If you want to broaden your knowledge and open up more opportunities, a university degree in Sales and Marketing or Business is a great step. A Bachelor of Business (Sales and Marketing) will teach you about consumer behaviour, market analysis, branding, and how to develop effective sales strategies. A Bachelor of Commerce, meanwhile, offers a broader foundation in business concepts, such as finance, management, and economics, which are all valuable in business development roles.

During your degree, you’ll learn how to research markets, understand customer segments, and create compelling sales pitches. You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in industry placements or internships, where you can see how sales and marketing operate in real businesses and start building your professional network.

Tips

Get involved in campus activities: Join business clubs, participate in pitch competitions, or even run a small business on the side. These experiences are excellent ways to practice selling and learn about what drives business growth.
Network early: Build relationships with your classmates, professors, and industry professionals you meet through internships. Networking is key in sales and business development, and who you know can be just as important as what you know.
Alternative pathways: If you discover a particular interest during your degree, consider specialising in fields like digital marketing, brand management, or international business. These roles still connect closely with sales and business development but may align more with your strengths.

Postgraduate pathway – Business development or sales leadership

Further down the line, postgraduate studies could help you move into senior roles in sales or business development. You might choose to do an MBA (Master of Business Administration), which provides a broad understanding of business management and prepares you for leadership roles. Alternatively, you could pursue a specialised postgraduate certificate in Sales Leadership, focusing on managing teams, developing sales strategies, and understanding market dynamics.

These qualifications can help you move into roles like Business Development Manager, Sales Director, or even Chief Revenue Officer. Postgraduate study can also be a stepping stone to working in consultancy, helping other businesses refine their sales processes and strategies.

Tips

Develop leadership skills: As you progress, focus on developing leadership skills through on-the-job experience or short courses. Leading a sales team requires not just sales expertise but also the ability to inspire and manage others.
Stay informed about industry trends: Sales and business development are constantly evolving, especially with changes in technology and consumer behaviour. Stay informed about trends like digital sales tools, AI in sales, and changes in customer expectations.
Alternative pathways: If formal postgraduate study isn’t for you, consider short courses in negotiation, strategic partnerships, or leadership. These can provide valuable skills without the time and financial commitment of a full degree.

Getting started

The sales and business development pathway is all about building your communication skills and learning how to understand and meet customer needs. To get started, consider finding a retail or customer service role to learn the basics of interacting with customers.

From there, a vocational qualification can give you more specific skills in sales techniques and customer engagement, while a university degree can deepen your understanding and open up strategic roles. Each step in this pathway helps you build towards a rewarding career focused on helping businesses grow and succeed through meaningful relationships.

Want to learn more about possible career pathways? Check out some of the other blogs on our website.