Very few people know what job they want straight out of college. But if you’re someone who enjoys talking to people, has a competitive spirit, and wants to learn on the job, entry-level sales and marketing jobs might be a perfect fit.
These are boots-on-the-ground, face-to-face positions that help build communication skills, confidence, and real-world business understanding. They are ideal for those looking to break into the business world quickly while laying a strong foundation for future growth.
1. Sales Development Representative (SDR)
What the Role Entails:
SDRs are responsible for identifying and reaching out to potential customers to generate interest in a company’s products or services. This is a front-line position that often includes cold calling, attending networking events, or following up on leads.
Daily Responsibilities:
- Calling and emailing potential clients
- Setting up meetings for account executives
- Researching industries and prospects
- Updating customer relationship management (CRM) software
Average Salary:
$45,000 to $60,000 per year, with performance-based bonuses
Skills Needed:
- Strong verbal and written communication
- Resilience and persistence
- Research ability
- Time management
Career Progression:
Successful SDRs often move into Account Executive, Sales Manager, or Business Development Manager roles within 1–2 years.
2. Field Sales Representative
What the Role Entails:
Field Sales Representatives meet clients in person, often going from business to business or working at trade shows. They sell products or services directly and are usually assigned a territory to manage.
Daily Responsibilities:
- Visiting clients or prospects face-to-face
- Demonstrating products
- Managing customer relationships
- Hitting daily or weekly sales targets
Average Salary:
$50,000 to $65,000 annually, plus commission
Skills Needed:
- Interpersonal and presentation skills
- Self-motivation
- Negotiation skills
- Ability to handle rejection
Career Progression:
Reps can grow into Regional Sales Manager or Key Account Manager positions. Some eventually move into corporate strategy or operations roles.
3. Direct Marketing Associate
What the Role Entails:
A Direct Marketing Associate works on campaigns that involve in-person promotions, door-to-door canvassing, or telemarketing. These positions are designed to drive awareness and generate leads or immediate sales.
Daily Responsibilities:
- Participating in promotional events or kiosks
- Engaging with customers face-to-face
- Distributing flyers or samples
- Gathering customer feedback
Average Salary:
$40,000 to $50,000 annually, with opportunities for commission
Skills Needed:
- Outgoing personality
- Persuasive communication
- Event coordination
- Adaptability
Career Progression:
Associates can become Marketing Coordinators or Campaign Managers. With strong performance, promotions to Marketing Director roles are possible over time.
4. Retail Sales Associate
What the Role Entails:
Retail Sales Associates work in physical stores, assisting customers with purchases, explaining products, and sometimes handling inventory. This is often an entry point into brand sales and customer engagement.
Daily Responsibilities:
- Greeting customers
- Recommending products
- Handling transactions
- Managing merchandise displays
Average Salary:
$30,000 to $45,000 per year, sometimes with performance bonuses
Skills Needed:
- Customer service
- Product knowledge
- Cash handling
- Attention to detail
Career Progression:
This job can lead to roles like Store Manager, District Manager, or Corporate Merchandiser. Some also transition into corporate sales roles later.
5. Account Coordinator
What the Role Entails:
Account Coordinators work under Account Managers to help manage client relationships. Though more support-oriented, this role involves exposure to high-level sales strategies and real client interactions.
Daily Responsibilities:
- Assisting with account management tasks
- Preparing sales reports and documentation
- Scheduling meetings and follow-ups
- Supporting client onboarding
Average Salary:
$45,000 to $55,000 per year
Skills Needed:
- Organization and multitasking
- Professional communication
- Time management
- Attention to detail
Career Progression:
This role typically leads to Account Manager or Client Success Manager positions. It’s a great stepping stone for those who prefer behind-the-scenes work before taking on a full sales quota.
6. Brand Ambassador
What the Role Entails:
Brand Ambassadors represent companies at events, in retail locations, or in public spaces. Their job is to embody the brand’s personality and message while generating interest and sales.
Daily Responsibilities:
- Engaging with the public
- Demonstrating or sampling products
- Collecting consumer data or signups
- Representing the brand at events
Average Salary:
$18 to $25 per hour or around $35,000 to $45,000 annually
Skills Needed:
- Enthusiasm
- Communication skills
- High energy
- Ability to memorize brand messaging
Career Progression:
Many Brand Ambassadors move into Marketing Coordinator or Event Manager roles, especially in industries like fashion, cosmetics, or tech.
7. Junior Account Executive
What the Role Entails:
Junior Account Executives work closely with senior sales staff to close deals and manage client portfolios. This is a great next step for anyone who has already worked in customer-facing sales.
Daily Responsibilities:
- Helping close new business
- Writing proposals and follow-ups
- Attending client meetings
- Maintaining CRM records
Average Salary:
$55,000 to $70,000, including bonuses
Skills Needed:
- Client relationship management
- Negotiation
- Proposal writing
- Confidence under pressure
Career Progression:
Promotion can lead to full Account Executive, Senior Account Executive, or Strategic Sales Manager roles.
8. Promotional Sales Representative
What the Role Entails:
Promotional Sales Representatives are hired for short- or long-term marketing campaigns to promote a product in high-traffic areas like malls, expos, or grocery stores.
Daily Responsibilities:
- Setting up promotional booths
- Approaching passersby
- Conducting product demos
- Gathering leads or immediate purchases
Average Salary:
$35,000 to $50,000, often tied to campaign duration
Skills Needed:
- Public speaking
- Resilience
- Time management
- Ability to work flexible hours
Career Progression:
These reps often go on to Campaign Management, Marketing Team Lead, or even corporate brand roles.
9. Territory Sales Trainee
What the Role Entails:
In this position, new grads are trained to manage sales in a defined geographic area. Trainees learn everything from prospecting to relationship-building in the field.
Daily Responsibilities:
- Shadowing experienced sales reps
- Learning product and territory strategy
- Visiting existing and potential clients
- Analyzing regional sales data
Average Salary:
$50,000 to $65,000 with bonuses
Skills Needed:
- Willingness to travel
- Learning agility
- Sales strategy basics
- Interpersonal skills
Career Progression:
Trainees are often promoted to Territory Sales Manager within 6–12 months, and later can rise to Regional Manager or National Sales roles.
10. Customer Acquisition Associate
What the Role Entails:
These professionals are focused on gaining new customers for the business. Unlike customer service reps who handle existing clients, acquisition associates chase new business through outreach efforts.
Daily Responsibilities:
- Cold calling or canvassing
- Scheduling consultations
- Creating pitch materials
- Onboarding new customers
Average Salary:
$40,000 to $55,000 annually with potential commissions
Skills Needed:
- Sales pitch development
- Target market research
- Lead generation
- Goal setting
Career Progression:
Customer Acquisition Associates may later transition into roles like Business Development Manager or Growth Strategist.
Key Takeaways for New Grads
Choosing your first job is a major decision, but the world of entry-level sales and marketing jobs offers something for almost everyone. Whether you’re interested in high-energy customer interaction, long-term relationship building, or supporting teams from behind the scenes, there are plenty of paths available.
These roles can teach you:
- How to work under pressure
- How to communicate clearly and effectively
- How to understand business goals
- How to build trust and close deals
Most importantly, they help you figure out what kind of work excites you and what doesn’t.
What to Look for in Your First Role
When comparing sales jobs for new graduates, keep the following in mind:
- Training: Does the company offer onboarding or mentorship?
- Commission Structure: Are you paid fairly for your effort?
- Culture: Is it a supportive, learning-oriented environment?
- Advancement: Are there clear paths to promotion?
Not every job will check every box, but early roles should offer growth and exposure.
Long-Term Opportunities
Starting with entry-level sales and marketing jobs does not mean you’ll stay at the bottom forever. In fact, many CEOs and company founders started in sales because it teaches resilience, negotiation, and leadership.
Whether you want to move into management, strategy, or entrepreneurship, your time in a direct sales or marketing role gives you the soft and hard skills needed for long-term success.
Choose the Role that Fits Your Career Goals
For many, sales jobs for new graduates can feel like a temporary step, but they can also be the start of a powerful, fulfilling career. If you’re looking for high-impact experience, personal growth, and real-world challenges, these roles offer the perfect foundation.
Don’t overlook jobs for marketing graduates that take place in the field. Direct sales and marketing roles teach you how to think on your feet, communicate persuasively, and work with a wide range of people. These are skills that employers across all industries value.
Vincero is a direct sales and marketing firm dedicated to helping brands not only compete but also dominate in their markets through relationship-oriented marketing strategies that perform in real time. Our goal is to champion our clients’ success through strategic, face-to-face marketing that inspires action. Learn more about our direct sales and marketing services when you book a consultation with one of our experts.