One of the best ways to begin your career is through an entry-level sales role. These roles come in many shapes and forms, giving you experience in the world of marketing and sales, and putting you on the fast-track in the world of business. Not only do you gain valuable work skills, but you also develop your ability in areas that will help you throughout your life, like persistence and persuasion. You will hone your communication ability and learn to negotiate, all while drawing on your creativity.
Although an education in business or marketing can be helpful, people from all backgrounds can excel in sales. This makes it an ideal way to begin your career if you’re still deciding what you want to do with your life or realized that you want to break into a different field than what you studied in school. Of course, sales is also a great career path if you’re motivated by compensation and career growth. Sales professionals can have a very high earnings potential, and there are often numerous opportunities for career advancement once you’ve honed your skills.
Full of opportunity, entry-level sales roles allow you to be independent and give you the chance to make an impact from the very beginning of your career. But not all sales roles will help you develop in the same way. These 10 companies offer standout entry-level sales roles that will give you the tools to succeed in your future career.
Starting a career in sales at Total Quality Logistics (TQL) offers an unparalleled opportunity for growth, development, and impact. As an industry-leading logistics company with over 25 years of exceeding customer expectations, TQL is seeking passionate problem-solvers to join the team as Sales Representatives. TQL provides abundant career advancement and internal mobility opportunities to their 9,000+ employees across 60+ offices nationwide. Employees experience an award-winning culture recognized by Fortune and Forbes and the chance to make a positive community impact. The Fast Track Sales program offers a $2,500 sign-on bonus, paid relocation, and comprehensive 26-week paid training with mentoring, uncapped commission opportunities, and a chance to explore a new city. TQL is an ideal place to work for those seeking a dynamic and supportive environment where their contributions are valued and rewarded. Learn more about their opportunities here!
Armstrong World Industries (AWI) is an industry leading manufacturer of ceiling and wall suspension systems — and can be spotted in the workplace, healthcare facilities, classrooms, stores, restaurants, and even residential homes. This company prides itself on building strong relationships with its partners, and its sales team plays a critical role in facilitating these connections and works with architects, distributors, and other stakeholders to drive business. Read more about AWI here.
Founded in 2014 in the back of a double wide trailer in a parking lot along the banks of East River in Brooklyn, NY with what was once a 5-person team has now thrived into an organization. Edge has been voted among reputable publications including Crain's Fast 50 for 2020 & 2021: The Fastest Growing Companies in Chicago and recently adding Inc 5000 for 4 consecutive years. The company prides itself on maintaining the energy and culture of a startup despite its growth. Edge Logistics offers great benefits for their employees, such as the ability to earn an uncapped commission, a 401k match, and free food, 12-week full pay parental leave, as well as the opportunity to “market and grow your own book of business” within their network. It’s a great place for new grads to begin their sales career, with their Logistics Sales and Marketing role offering the chance to learn everything from negotiating to relationship building. It’s the perfect role for former athletes, anyone with a competitive edge, or anyone who’s motivated by earning potential. Learn more about Edge Logistics and their sales roles here.
Gallagher is one of the world’s largest insurance brokers, servicing more than 130 countries and fueled by teamwork and an entrepreneurial spirit. As a member of the sales team at Gallagher, you’ll receive training opportunities and mentorship from senior employees, with a strong focus on your career growth. Learn more about sales positions at Gallagher here.
Owens Corning is leader in global building and industrial materials, manufacturing a wide range of insulation, roofing, and fiberglass composite materials. It’s a great place to begin your career, particularly with the Insulation Sales Development Program. The structured, 18-24 month program provides multiple opportunities for career growth within the company. Trainees serve as members of the Inside Sales team, working directly with Area Sales Managers to support their region. Participants get the opportunity to lead trainings and work on special projects, while receiving mentorship and guidance. After completing the program, participants get placed in an Area Sales Manager position within the company. Learn more about Owens Corning and the Insulation Sales Development Program here.
This leader in fleet management solutions was named FORTUNE Magazine World’s Most Admired Company for 10 consecutive years and the Top Company for Women in 2021. That’s due in part to Ryder System’s motto of “CULTURE-INTEGRITY-FAMILY,” and it’s dedication to growing and supporting its people. Not only does Ryder System pair you with a mentor, but the company promotes from within 85% of the time. Ryder System has also been recognized by Verizon with the Supplier Environmental Excellence Award for having the largest electric vehicle footprint in the U.S. On top of the added benefit of working at a green company, Ryder System also offers employee discount programs that include cars, cell phone services, and more. It’s Rental Management Trainee role is part of an 18-month program that offers young professionals the opportunity to work cross-functionally across Sales, Marketing, Operations, and Asset Management. With all the benefits and dedication to professional development, Ryder System is an ideal place to launch your first career. Read more about this role here.
The world’s #1 customer relationships management platform, Salesforce aims to bring companies and customers together through their unique platform. Voted one of Fortune’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” in 2021, Salesforce prioritizes the wellbeing of its employees. They also offer a number of great roles for new grads, including their Business Development Associate position. The role allows new graduates to build their sales and business acumen, giving them the opportunity to work on real projects and connect with industry sales leaders. Associates in this role receive training on core sales skills and work to support client-facing Business Development Representatives, eventually graduating to a client-facing role themselves. Learn more about the Business Development Associate position and Salesforce careers here.
A global healthcare leader, Sanofi “discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions focused on patients’ needs.” Sanofi offers a great opportunity for new grads to gain functional business insights in their Marketing and Sales Associate Program. The rotational development program, held over the course of three years, allows associates to gain valuable experience in different functions across marketing and sales. Associates get to contribute to valuable projects, receive ongoing training, and participate in leadership development courses. Once finished with the program, employees transition into a role that fits their strengths. Learn more about Sanofi and the Marketing and Sales Associate Program here.
ServiceNow is a fast-growing software company that offers cloud-computing to help companies control their digital workflows and operations. In fact, a whopping 80% of the Fortune 500 have used ServiceNow to better their business. ServiceNow has numerous open sales positions for you to connect with organizations of all types– check them out to become a member of its sales team. Read more here.
A health and well-being company, UnitedHealth Group is dedicated to addressing the most critical health care needs of people worldwide. Within the company, UnitedHealth Group sees “remarkable participation levels” in their employee career development resources. They pride themselves on allowing individual employees the opportunity to develop their own career direction while providing them with the resources to do so. Their Sales Full Time Program is a great opportunity for new grads. The 18-month Development Program offers a structured curriculum with participants dedicating a quarter of their time to learning, in addition to numerous opportunities to learn on the job. Employees in the program also get the chance to work directly with mentors and sales leaders, building relationships as they advance their career. Learn more about the program and UnitedHealth Group here.
Careers in marketing and sales can be highly competitive, so it’s important to get your foot in the door early. Experience in the field is a great way to launch a career in any business discipline, and starting out with an entry-level position not only teaches you the essentials for your career, but helps to support you along the way.