Considering a career in sales can be an exciting option for someone who has what it takes to be a great sales person; it can be an extremely well paid profession with flexible working hours and opportunities for promotion. However, not every sales career offers these appealing benefits, and it can quickly become confusing when you consider that for nearly every industry, there is a corresponding sales career.

Before you begin to look for a job in sales, it’s wise to become informed on the industry differences and their different requirements. Here are three different types of sales careers.

1. IT Industry Sales

Because of the current state of economics, a sales career in the IT industry can offer a substantial income as well as job security. Nearly every business requires computers and software, and with the rapid developments in technology, there are always new products and services on the market to sell. For many, this type of expertise is entirely foreign to them. In other words, as an IT salesperson, you’ll be expected to provide a specialized knowledge regarding market trends and products.

If you’re considering the types of sales careers that might be right for you, IT is a good match if you’re committed to education and learning new skills. As technology changes, you’ll be expected to pick up the knowledge required to be an expert in the fast growing world of software and technology. A career in IT sales could involve selling IT services, software, or hardware.

2. Manufacturing Sales

As a manufacturer sales rep, your career would be targeted towards selling products for a specific manufacturer. Out of the different types of sales careers, this path will require you to possess excellent time management, self-discipline, and professional networking skills; you’re expected to motivate yourself to make the sales, and you may have to juggle different manufacturers to ensure financial security. If you’re considering this career path, you may want find complimentary products to sell.

Typically, manufacturer sales reps are independent sales professionals. This is where the networking skills come into play. When you don’t necessarily have the job security of an employee, you’ll want to ensure that you have the ability to create a network of strong working relationships. Otherwise, you may find yourself unemployed without many prospects.

3. Medical Device Sales

Of all types of sales careers, the healthcare industry provides the most security and is considered the lowest-risk option for sales. With steady job growth in an ever-changing field of medicine, medical devices are always in demand. The industry is massive; there is an enormous amount of medical device manufacturers and distributors contributing to the industry who are always searching for sales reps.

Within this career in sales are the options of working for a manufacturer or a distributor, both with their advantages and disadvantages. When you work for a medical device manufacturer, the company you work for actually makes the product you’re selling—this means as a sales rep, there is flexibility with pricing and direct name branding. These factors can help you close deals before your competitors who work for distributors, as you can work directly with the manufacturer regarding support on pricing. However, you may be limited to the line of products you can sell and some clients may prefer to buy all products from one place—the distributor.

Making the Decision

Starting a sales career can be a step towards success, but the most important factor is taking into consideration what your strengths and weaknesses are—sales aren’t for everyone. Most importantly, your work should give you a sense of accomplishment. Regardless of what sales career path is right for you, you should enter the workforce well informed, with realistic expectations, ready to learn, and equipped to do your best.