Technical sales engineers consult with prospective and existing customers to determine how the products and services they represent best meet their needs. A bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline, sales training and experience, and engineering experience are typically required to become a technical sales engineer. For a period of time, new technical sales engineers can expect to work under the supervision of an experienced sales representative before working independently or in a team. A new sales engineer may partner with an experienced sales representative who lacks technical expertise after completing training with a sales mentor. Continuing education in engineering is also essential for sales engineers to stay current in their field and to be in the best position to provide clients with valuable solutions.
A four-year bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline is required for students interested in becoming technical sales engineers. Professional competence will necessitate a strong foundation in engineering theory, knowledge, and applications. Although university programs vary in content, students can expect solid mathematical and physical science foundations. After that, students will take general engineering courses before deciding on a specialty. Biomedical, electrical, chemical, mechanical, civil, software, and computer hardware engineering are all common specializations.
Students will need to gain experience working as an engineer after graduation in order to demonstrate a thorough understanding of engineering and how engineering principles are applied in the workplace. For candidates to demonstrate to the employer a firm grounding in the company’s products and services, a technical background gained from such work experience is often required to become a technical sales engineer. Candidates will benefit from gaining this valuable experience being able to effectively leverage represented products and services to provide valuable solutions to clients.
While technical knowledge is essential, those aspiring to be technical sales engineers must also learn how to effectively navigate the sales process. Employers frequently pair new technical sales engineers with a sales mentor for a set period of time. Interacting with customers is an important part of the process, and sales mentors will teach new sales engineers effective field sales strategies and techniques.
After completing his or her mentoring program, a technical sales engineer is usually assigned to a sales team that includes both technical and sales experts. Sales engineers will need to continue their education in order to provide value to customers and the team. Graduate study in engineering, science, and mathematics are among the many options available. Another option is to take advanced sales training. Those working in technology fields, in particular, will need to keep up with the industry’s rapid pace of change.