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IT Sales and Marketing

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IT Sales and Marketing

Sales is the second largest job area in IT, with over 11% of all people employed by the IT industry involved in the marketing and sale of IT products, services and solutions. It is one of the commonest roles for new graduates but it is a notoriously fast-paced environment and only suits those committed to working in a target-driven, high-pressured occupation.

ICT sales and marketing encompasses the selling of hardware, software and consultancy and support services. Any degree is usually acceptable for the sales and marketing of hardware and software, but the marketing of consultancy and support services usually requires a much higher degree of technical knowledge. A high level of interpersonal skills is paramount. You will often be required to provide some support to the user so the ability to install and configure PCs will be necessary.

According to a recent DTI survey only businesses in Greater London and the East Midlands have more uptake of ICT than the Yorkshire region. This, of course, is good news for IT Sales and Marketing professionals as more and more companies in the region are committed to both increasing and updating their computing provision. In addition the Government initiative, UK Online, aims to enable everyone in the UK to have access to the internet and email near to where they live. This has seen a major rise in the take-up of ICT technology in schools, community centres, colleges, libraries etc, as well as in homes.

The market is still, however, highly competitive. Recruitment is often done through agencies that specialise in the recruitment of sales professionals. Major companies like IBM, Dell and HP employ and train their own sales staff which may be based in the Yorkshire region. Retail sales is also another area to consider. A search on yell.co.uk will provide a list of many smaller companies providing both sales and support services, as well as lists of computer software companies which often employ sales professionals to sell their bespoke programs.

Part-time courses in sales and marketing are available at many of the region's centres, as are courses in the latest software packages and in computer maintenance and support.

Useful links:

Institute of Marketing

The Institute of Marketing now incorporates the Institute of Sales Professionals and provides support to marketing professionals.

IS Opportunities

The Magazine for IT Sales and Marketing Professionals.

Institute of Sales and Marketing Management

The Institute of Sales & Marketing Management (ISMM) is the UK's only professional body for salespeople and promotes standards of excellence in sales and sales management. They provide details of accredited courses in the subject.