Is Working as a Salesperson Helpful for a Career in finance?
Hi everyone in the finance community! I’m currently a junior pursuing my bachelor’s degree in finance, and I’ve been having a tough time landing an internship due to the high level of competition. At the moment, I’m working as a car salesman in my family’s business, which makes it challenging to pursue unpaid internships. Unfortunately, the paid ones receive countless applicants, and I feel at a disadvantage since I attend a lesser-known college.
I’m curious if the skills I’ve developed as a salesman could be valuable in the finance sector. I’m particularly interested in the investment field and would like to explore both analytical roles (I have strong Excel skills and some knowledge of Python) as well as front-office sales and planning positions.
I appreciate any advice or insights you can share! Thank you!
One response
Hi there!
Your experience as a car salesman can definitely be beneficial for your finance career, especially if you’re interested in the investment field and considering both back-office and front-office roles. Here are a few reasons why your sales skills are valuable:
Communication Skills: Sales roles require strong communication abilities, which are crucial in finance. Whether you’re presenting financial products, explaining investment strategies, or collaborating with clients, being able to articulate ideas clearly will set you apart.
Understanding Client Needs: In sales, you likely have developed a good sense of how to identify and respond to customer needs. This skill is directly applicable in finance, where understanding client goals and tailoring recommendations is essential.
Relationship Building: The finance industry is heavily based on relationships. Your experience in sales can help you cultivate strong professional connections, which may lead to job opportunities and client retention in finance.
Negotiation Skills: Whether it’s negotiating prices on cars or deals in finance, your ability to negotiate effectively can be a strong asset.
Resilience and Adaptability: Sales can be challenging, and dealing with rejection is part of the job. This resilience can translate well into finance, where markets are volatile, and not every investment will pay off.
To leverage your sales skills in pursuing a finance career, consider the following steps:
Highlight Transferable Skills: When applying for internships or jobs, emphasize how your sales experience has equipped you with skills relevant to finance, such as analytical thinking, customer relationship management, and effective communication.
Network: Use your current contacts in the family business and any connections you have to industry professionals. Networking can sometimes open doors to opportunities that aren’t publicly advertised.
Consider Related Certifications: While you’re finishing your bachelor’s, consider obtaining relevant finance certifications (like CFA Level 1 or a finance-related course) to further enhance your resume and show your commitment to the field.
Look for a Blend of Roles: Since you’re open to both analytical and front-office roles, search for positions that allow you to leverage both your analytical skills and your sales background, such as sales analyst positions or client-facing roles in investment firms.
Remember, many successful finance professionals come from diverse backgrounds. Your experiences are valuable, so don’t hesitate to showcase them!
Good luck in your search, and keep pushing forward!