An agent is an intermediary, appointed by a company, to carry out commercial activities with customers. They generally offer goods and services and are responsible for negotiating and concluding contracts.

Qualities and skills

• Curiosity and motivation
• Reliability
• Independence
• Adaptability
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Customer service skills and a caring attitude
• Approaching prospective customers
• Selling a product or service
• Advising customers
• Negotiating prices
• Managing a client portfolio
• Carrying out customer follow-up

Education and training requirements

A career in sales may be accessible with a vocational baccalaureate (Bac Pro), a Higher Technical Certificate (BTS) or a Bachelor’s degree (BUT) in business, sales or negotiation.

However, some sectors prefer candidates with a three-year degree (Bac + 3), such as a vocational bachelor’s degree in business and sales, or even a five-year degree (Bac + 5) from a business school.

Sectors and companies

A career in sales can be pursued in all types of organisations, whether commercial, industrial or service-based.

Source: LH PORT CENTER – Further information at www.lhportcenter.com