It seems only normal to take a break from the rigors of college.  Many recent graduates take the summer off, or only go through the motions of looking for that first ‘real job.’  But now, faced with parents who are increasing their obnoxiousness levels in demanding a more strenuous job searching plan, recent graduates are out in force–knocking on doors, polishing resumes, getting interviews and trying to get that first job.

What ARE you going to do?  Any ideas?

I have an idea for you and it applies to anyone serious about work.

Early in your career, learn to sell.  Get a sales job.  And, I don’t mean ’sales’ at McDonald’s or The Gap.  If you picture ’sales’ as only being in car or real estate sales, you need to be in sales for sure, because you just don’t get it.

Find a company that wants sales people and apply.  Sure, find out what they do.  But even better, find out who your sales manager or boss will be—chances are this is the person doing the interview, duh!  This person should have some real sales and sales manager type experience—you are going to be learning from this person for at least 2 years, make sure the training is good.  The training is what you need now, not the job.

So why sales?  Because at every stop along your career path, having some experience in sales WILL HELP YOU.  You will understand the revenue producing side of the business, you will be able to sell yourself better, you will have more empathy with the people using your company’s product, etc.  Make no mistake about it, no matter what you do, a better sense of sales—and the sales process–will make you a more valued employee, wherever you finally land.