What Are the Best Sales Jobs for Recent College Grads?

Written by Kira Grieve

Kira is a Senior Campaign Manager at The Selling Factory. Over the last year and a half, she has used her education (Double Gator from UF) and experiences from traveling to coach and encourage over 100 college/UF students on sales outreach, sales tactics and personal goals. 

College Grads, this may be the most pivotal moment of your life. You are now out in the real world with unlimited possibilities. While everybody wants to go to one of the best sales jobs, it can be stressful to decide where to start. 

In the 21st century, we have high expectations for our careers. We want freedom and flexibility. We want the ability to change locations and work environments at will. And, perhaps most importantly, a great work/life balance.

The best sales positions can offer all that and more. Professionals in sales have the opportunity to travel far and wide. They work directly with customers and get to know different industries. They learn and grow, while still having the ability to stay at home and live a good, quiet life with friends.

At the end of the day, everyone wants to make as much money as possible for their needs. If you want to find the best SDR jobs, read on!

Variety of SDR Jobs

Some people may view sales as an entry-level position or a stepping stone to other career paths. The truth is that sales can be a highly rewarding and lucrative profession in its own right.

Firstly, a career in sales allows for unlimited earning potential. In many other jobs, salary increases are limited by company budgets. However, in sales, workers can earn as much as they are able to sell.

This means that top salespeople can earn six-figure salaries or more. Many companies even provide generous commission structures and bonuses for exceeding sales goals.

Additionally, sales jobs offer the opportunity for personal growth and development. In order to succeed in sales, individuals must hone their communication and interpersonal skills. This includes their ability to identify and address the needs of their clients.

This can lead to increased confidence and a sense of personal accomplishment. It improves relationships both inside and outside of the workplace.

Sales jobs have a high degree of autonomy and flexibility. In other jobs, employees may be expected to adhere to strict schedules or work within a rigid hierarchy. Meanwhile, salespeople have the freedom to set their own schedules.

In sales, employees work independently to achieve their goals. This can be especially appealing to individuals who value independence and self-determination.

Finally, a career in sales can be highly fulfilling. Salespeople have the opportunity to build relationships with clients. They help them find solutions to their problems.

This is especially rewarding for individuals who are passionate about helping others. People in sales make a positive impact on their communities.

Sales Associate

A career as a sales associate can be highly beneficial and desirable for recent college graduates. Sales associates are responsible for selling products or services to clients and are often the face of a company to its customers.

A sales associate hones their communication skills by developing unparalleled product knowledge. Customers aren’t just seeking facts from sales associates — they’re often looking for a helpful opinion crafted in a creative way. They want to understand why they should buy a product or service.

Sales associates get to work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. They have to adapt to changing market conditions and respond to the needs of their clients quickly and effectively. This can be exciting and challenging for individuals who thrive in high-pressure situations.

Inside Sale Representatives

Inside sales representatives usually work from an office or call center. They are responsible for selling products or services over the phone or through online channels.

Inside sales has a lower barrier to entry compared to outside sales positions. That makes it an excellent option for recent college graduates who may not have as much experience. This means that inside sales can be a great starting point for individuals interested in pursuing a career in sales.

It’s also appealing for those who may not want to travel extensively for work. This role is great for those who want to stay close to their families.

Inside sales representatives often have access to a variety of tools and technology to help them succeed in their role. This can include customer relationship management software, automated dialing systems, and online chat tools. The use of these technologies can help inside sales representatives to be more efficient and effective in their work.

Outside Sales Representatives

Outside sales representatives work in the field. They are responsible for developing new business relationships and maintaining existing ones.

Outside sales representatives are often permitted set their own schedules and work independently. This is one of the best benefits of most sales positions.

Outside sales also offers the opportunity to travel and meet new people. This can be an exciting and rewarding aspect of the job for individuals who enjoy exploring new places. They get to build relationships with people from different backgrounds.

Outside sales representatives also have access to a variety of resources and tools to help them succeed. This might be marketing materials, customer relationship management software, or training programs. 

Account Managers

Sales account managers are responsible for managing relationships with existing clients. They ensure their needs are met.

Sales account management offers the opportunity to build strong relationships with clients. Sales account managers work closely with clients to understand their needs. They provide them with the support they require. 

Sales account managers work with a variety of different clients. They work across a range of industries. This can be an exciting and rewarding aspect of the job. Especially for individuals who enjoy learning about different businesses.

Sales account managers have resources and tools at their disposal. This can include marketing materials, customer relationship management software, and training programs. 

Customer Success Associates

Customer success associates ensure clients are successful in using their products or services. Like account managers, customer success associates build strong relationships with clients. They develop long-term relationships with clients, fostering a sense of personal fulfilment.

The resources and tools available to customer success associates are unique to their role. This includes training programs, customer relationship management software, and automated support systems. 

Pursuing a Career in Sales

SDR jobs require developing new business relationships. They also manage existing clients. If ensuring customer success is important to you, look for a job in this industry.

To start your career in sales, head to our student page and apply now

Victoria Zamitalo

Campaign Manager

Victoria received a BA in History and Economics from the University of Florida in May 2023. She is a driven sales professional with over 5 years combined experience in customer service, consumer relations and outbound sales, and is deeply passionate about fostering close relationships between consumers and sellers. She aims to train the next generation of sales professionals in not only the tricks of the trade, but also interpersonal skills that make sales the exciting and ever-changing industry that it is.

victoria@thesellingfactory.com

Mia Semel

Campaign Manager

Before graduating with a B.A. in Sustainability Studies, Mia took on multiple roles while interning at The Selling Factory, including sales development, recruiting, and leading campaigns. She is an active listener and effective communicator, specializing in fostering genuine connections and finding common ground among differing perspectives. She aims to find practical, creative solutions regarding sustainable development, biodiversity and the climate crisis.

mia.semel@thesellingfactory.com

Kira Grieve

Senior Campaign Manager

Kira graduated from the University of Florida and received her Master of Science in Entrepreneurship. She is passionate about helping businesses grow and connecting with new people. Some of her hobbies include traveling and hiking. She hopes to visit all of the National Parks one day!

kira@thesellingfactory.com

Jared Glosser

Vice President

After graduating from UF in 2014 with a B.A. in history, Jared started his professional career Fundraising for a non-partisan political lobby in South Florida. In 2016, Jared moved back to Gainesville to work for a non-profit, recruit students for international travel opportunities, and pursue his MBA at UF. Jared has been with The Selling Factory since 2019 focusing on operations, client onboarding, and client success.

jared@thesellingfactory.com

Ian Massenburg

Chief Operating Officer

A graduate of University of Florida (B.A. 2001), Ian Massenburg brings over 18 years of sales executive and sales management experience to The Selling Factory. Before coming on-board, Ian worked alongside Brad at Infinite Energy, and then spent his next 3 years as VP of Partnerships selling SaaS products B2B. Ian brings his vast knowledge and experience to the team and to our partner companies served.

ian@thesellingfactory.com

Damien Paulk

Campaign Manager

Damien is a University of Florida graduate that recently joined the team full time after working as a Sales Development Intern for one year. As a Campaign Manager, Damien looks forward to contributing to the growth and success of The Selling Factory. When Damien is not at work he enjoys exploring Gainesville with his girlfriend and dog or watching the Gators dominate college football.

damien@thesellingfactory.com

Brendan Viehman

Campaign Manager

Brendan graduated from Liberty University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Project Management. For the past 5 years, he has enjoyed working with blockchain technology and cryptocurrency development. In his free time, he surfs and makes personal finance videos for his YouTube channel.

brendan@thesellingfactory.com

Savannah Howard

Campaign Manager

A graduate from the University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communications, Savannah obtained her Bachelor of Science in public relations with a concentration in French. After almost two years as a sales development intern for The Selling Factory, she joined the leadership team in 2021 taking on the role of Campaign Manager. In her free time, Savannah enjoys going to concerts and festivals and cooking for her friends and family.

savannah@thesellingfactory.com

Zack Kampf

Campaign Manager

Zack is a creative technologist with experience in advertising, event planning, and game design. He started as an SDR in 2018 and has been with TSF ever since. Upon graduating UF in 2019 he became a campaign manager and is currently seeking a master's degree from NYU. In his spare time, you can find him at the intersection of Art & Technology!

zack@thesellingfactory.com

Josiah Blakemore

Growth Manager

Josiah has over 10 years of sales experience, worked with Brad and Ian at Infinite Energy, and also spent time selling SaaS as Director of Partnerships at SharpSpring. He’s always been very competitive and has a love for sports and games. He enjoys solving problems and coaching team members to do the same!

josiah@thesellingfactory.com

Sue-Ming Frauenhofer

Marketing Manager

Sue-Ming received both her B.S. in Psychology and M.S. in Management from The University of Florida. As a student, she took on multiple roles while interning at The Selling Factory, including sales development, marketing, and recruiting, eventually leading to her current role as Marketing Manager. She enjoys refining her taste in music and visual art, engaging in mindfulness and meditative practices, and frolicking outside with her sidekick pup.

sueming@thesellingfactory.com

Adam Grossman

Chief Development Officer

Adam is an ordained rabbi, who has founded multiple ventures focused on workforce development. Hired as CEO by a failing non-profit, in over 5 years, his ingenuity saved the organization, which led Slingshotfund.org to recognize it as one of North America’s most innovative Jewish non-profits. His expertise to identify, cultivate, and on-board talent ensures our student teams meet our partners’ needs.

adam@thesellingfactory.com

Brad Gamble

Chief Executive Officer

After graduating from UF in 1999 with a B.S.B.A, Brad Gamble has dedicated himself to sales management, branding, coaching, and building companies. He served as the VP of Sales & Marketing for Infinite Energy until 2014, when he founded The Selling Factory. He has dedicated himself to teaching critical skills to tomorrow’s leaders, and helping companies achieve sales success and revenue growth.

brad@thesellingfactory.com