What is Sales and Client Services?

Sales and client services professionals help businesses grow by building relationships, understanding customer needs, and delivering value. While sales focuses on acquiring new customers or increasing business with existing ones, client services is about supporting and retaining those customers over time. This career path is a great fit for students who are people-oriented, persuasive, and energized by hitting goals.

In a sales or client services role, you may:

  • Reach out to potential customers and explain product or service benefits
  • Build long-term relationships with clients and solve their challenges
  • Track progress toward sales goals or customer satisfaction metrics
  • Collaborate with internal teams to deliver on client expectations
  • Manage communication, feedback, and account growth opportunities

Sales and client services roles are often fast-paced and highly rewarding — especially for students who enjoy making connections and seeing the impact of their work.

If you’re interested in the sales and client services path, here are common starting roles:

  • Business Development Representative (BDR)
  • Sales Development Representative (SDR)
  • Account Coordinator
  • Client Services Associate
  • Inside Sales Representative
  • Customer Success Representative
  • Relationship Manager
  • Sales Support Specialist
  • Territory Sales Associate

Tip: Entry-level sales roles often come with training and clear advancement paths. Look for titles that include “development,” “representative,” or “account” to start building experience.

Sales and client services roles exist in nearly every industry — especially in organizations that rely on relationships to grow and retain business. Here are some industries to explore:

  • Technology and software
  • Financial services and insurance
  • Healthcare and medical sales
  • Manufacturing and supply chain
  • Retail and consumer products
  • Hospitality and tourism
  • Logistics and transportation
  • Nonprofits and fundraising organizations

Tip: If you’re not sure where to start, explore companies known for strong sales training programs or early-career development tracks.

You don’t need to wait for a full-time job to begin developing sales and client-facing skills. Try these opportunities while in school:

  • Work in a campus job or part-time retail/customer service role
  • Volunteer to promote events, fundraisers, or club activities
  • Join the Sales Club or compete in a sales competition
  • Take courses in sales, negotiation, or relationship management
  • Intern with companies that offer business development or customer support opportunities

Tip: Sales and client services roles reward strong communication, grit, and follow-through — all of which can be built in and out of the classroom.