Engineering: sales and service

This page has been designed to give a starting point for those looking into careers in Engineering - sales and services.

What are careers in engineering sales and service?

The wide range of engineering disciplines means technical sales has a key role to play in many industries and manufacturers. Sales experience can be useful but there are organisations such as Meta Morphose that offer training.

Technical skills and knowledge are essential as is a natural flair for sales.

Economic forecasts show that the advanced engineering sector in Sussex is expected to grow by more than 25% in the next few years and has been identified as one of the key growth sectors in the area. There are over 600 engineering and manufacturing firms using high technology in Sussex.

How do I get into it?

A first degree in engineering is required. Sales experience can be useful but there are organisations such as Meta Morphose that offer training. Technical skills and knowledge are essential as is a natural flair for sales.

Engineering Council

Sales work is normally a first post for a new graduate and employers will usually seek those with a few years experience in engineering. This will have given them the knowledge and experience to be able to discuss projects with existing and potential clients.

Economic forecasts show that the advanced engineering sector in Sussex is expected to grow by more than 25% in the next few years and has been identified as one of the key growth sectors in the area. There are over 600 engineering and manufacturing firms using high technology in Sussex.

Sussex also has several automotive development centres and a significant number of high technology manufacturers. Many companies are clustered in around the Crawley/ Gatwick/Horsham area.

  • Institute of Engineering and Technology
    The IET offer a number of products and services to support your career development.
  • STEM Sussex
    A resource for teachers, business and industry to obtain information about resources, schemes and initiatives concerned with STEM (Science, technology, engineering and mathematics).

 

Finding a job or employer in this sector

Further information and useful links

  • EEF - the manufacturers' organisation
    EEF provides engineering and manufacturing support & employment advice for business. You will also find useful labour market and sector information as well as a vacancies section.
  • Engineering Council
    Regulator of the Engineering Profession. This site includes a comprehensive listing of engineering professional bodies.
  • Institution of Agricultural Engineers
  • Institute of Chemical Engineers
    IChemE is a leading international body, providing services for and representing the interests of those involved in chemical, biochemical and process engineering world-wide.
  • SOE - Society of Operations Engineers
    SOE is a professional membership organisation that represents the professional sectors of IRTE (transport), IPlantE (Plant) and BES (Surveyors). SOE supports and encourages best practice and health and safety initiatives, and is committed to the ongoing growth and personal development of its members. 
  • Women's Engineering Society
    Promotes the education, training and practice of engineering among women as well as providing a forum for the exchange of opinions and experience respecting education, training and employment for women with interests in engineering.

Key points

  • Sales experience can be useful but there are organisations that offer training.
  • Economic forecasts show that the advanced engineering sector in Sussex is expected to grow by more than 25% in the next few years.
  • Technical skills and knowledge are essential as is a natural flair for sales.

Resources