A Closer Look at The Sales Skills of Engineers
If you’re like me when I think of sales and engineering, my brain automatically thinks about a specific role as a sales engineer. This can be slightly confusing if you are an engineering major wanting to go into sales. Just because you are in sales and have an engineering background does not mean you are a sales engineer. Let’s throw some definitions around so we can clear up this confusion.
Definition: Sales Engineer
Sales engineers are the solution to closing a gap between product development and sales. This role is generally found in B2B sales and often sell complex products that involve science or technology.
Definition: Engineering Major
A student of engineering studies the principles of math, science, and business. Students excel in problem-solving, communication, and understanding professional and ethical responsibility.
Now that we know the difference between a sales engineer and an engineering major, let’s look at why an engineering major might want to go into sales. The skills you learn while in school will impact your decision-making and likely help you find success quite quickly.
For example, as an engineering major you probably have the following skills:
- Problem-solving
- Creativity
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Detail-oriented
- Leadership
- Data analysis
- Desire to learn
These skills, paired with your technical knowledge would give you an advantage in securing a sales position in areas like aerospace, nuclear, and other complex technological products. Engineering majors typically have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to understand how parts function within an overall process.
Having a clear understanding of your product, beginning with the materials it is made with all the way up to the solution that it solves will help you in all aspects of your sales process. You’ll start to see that over time your ability to communicate this information can help in lead generation, product pitch, and closing deals. If you are ready to take the next step and begin exploring sales opportunities, I encourage you to join Collegiate Sales Society (CSS). CSS will teach you sales skills and help you find a job and/or internship opportunities that will propel your career in sales.