It’s no secret - the graduate recruitment market is highly volatile at present, and our younger generation are being woefully undervalued. As a result, the number of graduates is increasing year on year, the jobs pool is beginning to decrease, and less opportunities are available. A report conducted by Adzuna demonstrates this clearly, revealing that the average graduate pay has hit a 30-month low.
Another factor that is affecting the market is the upcoming apprenticeship levy. The introduction of a two per cent tax to large firms has incentivised smaller companies to take on more apprentices, funded entirely by the government. I am a huge advocate of apprenticeship schemes, and the benefits of apprentices make them an excellent option for businesses. By working from a young age, companies can build employees from the ground up, developing their knowledge of the firm and attain key skills. Whilst this is a fantastic scheme, many firms are following this trend, and it is a fact that apprentices are now filling up roles that would be otherwise available to graduates.
Having worked in sales for 17 years, I have seen a revolution in the way companies approach the process. As a result, sales can be seen as a viable option for university graduates. There are a huge number of businesses looking to take on new staff, with a wide variety of sales experience. Most sales roles will also exceed the average graduate pay, especially with the bonuses available to them through commission.
Sales can also be beneficial to graduates for reasons other than money. Graduates are widely considered to be ‘entrepreneurs of the future’, as they will be setting up businesses in years to come. By getting into sales as a graduate, they are implementing the core key skills that a business needs, which is essentially being able to sell a concept or a brand. These skills can then be utilised throughout a graduate’s career, especially when setting up their own business.
Working in a sales role also offers a career with progression. In many businesses, progression may only be achieved through someone in a higher position leaving the company, removing the sense of meritocracy. However, sales is based solely on performance, meaning the best person is picked for the highest role. The competitiveness of sales makes it an extremely pressurised area of business, as it pushes people to work more hours. However, more hours equal more sales, which ultimately leads to more commission. This process builds a strong work ethic that graduates can stick to throughout their career, also demonstrating to future employers that they care about what they are doing.
As sales is an industry that is constantly growing and developing, graduates can build a great career path by entering the sector. Opportunities for career progression are available in almost every role, in addition to the chance to learn while on the job, with many aspects of business only learnt through experience. With the industry being incredibly variable, and every sale different to the last, the industry can be a rewarding and exciting career choice for graduates.
