PURPOSE The SMC Sales Academy is a sales development program designed to provide training on our extensive product line, proficiency in our corporate sales strategies, familiarity with our manufacturing methods, and competency in our internal support processes. This is a full-time training role that will transition to a full-time sales position upon completion of the Sales Academy. It is an entry-level outside sales role and is perfect for candidates who are looking to start a career in sales or who are interested in making a career pivot. As SMC continues to expand, so do the opportunities for career growth across the Sales Division and beyond. The training is both classroom-based and hands-on, accommodating the varied learning styles of trainees. Unlike other sales training programs, the SMC Sales Academy provides training through work experience; you will spend time with each of SMC's departments working and building relationships throughout your time at headquarters. These cross-departmental relationships and knowledge will make you invaluable to customers while in the field. The SMC Sales Academy exists to prepare a person for a career in outside sales with SMC Corporation of America-we welcome interested individuals with all levels of experience and backgrounds to apply. The SMC Sales Academy is a great opportunity for those looking to gain an understanding of automation in manufacturing, regardless of their prior education or work experience. We are looking for curious-minded individuals who are looking to join a company dedicated to sustainable automation. ESSENTIAL DUTIES The Sales Academy Trainee will receive training that ranges from sales skills development and corporate culture to SMC's applications, product line, and target industries served. They will learn about sales strategy, marketing and manufacturing production, and order fulfillment. Specifically, the trainee will be required to participate in the following training activities: * Actively participate in learning activities that demonstrate sales operations and supply chain functionality * Complete written and practical training in supply chain policy and procedures * Actively participate in learning the activities of a technical support role * Complete basic pneumatics training and other technical training as directed by SMC sales management * Review product catalogs & manuals to gain a basic understanding of SMC product * Work with our internal support team to learn how to demonstrate "best in class" customer support * Partner with experienced SMC sales professionals on customer & distributor visits * Collaboration with cohort members to present a customer pitch to SMC leadership * Complete short-term work assignments in all functional areas of the business (such as production, warehouse, customer service, etc.) * Participate in simulated selling scenarios onsite with Sales Division leadership and SMC's successful sales team members * Cross-departmental and internal collaboration between teams to build strong relationships at headquarters that will be key to success in the field Available Branches for assignment after graduating from the SMC Sales Academy: * Atlanta, GA * Austin, TX * Birmingham, AL* * Boston, MA * Chicago, IL * Cincinnati, OH * Cleveland, OH * Dallas, TX * Denver, CO* * Des Moines, IA* * Detroit, MI * El Paso, TX* * Grand Rapids * Kansas City, MO* * Knoxville, TN* * Los Angeles, CA * Milwaukee, WI * Minneapolis, MN * Nashville, TN * New Jersey (multiple locations) * Phoenix, AZ * Portland, OR * Richmond, VA* * Rochester, NY * San Jose, CA * St. Louis, MO * Some of the listed branches are satellite branches and are hiring trainees on an as-needed basis PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT * Fast-paced environment (includes both office and fieldwork) * Physically capable of lifting SMC products and displays up to 50 lbs. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS * Two (2) year Technical degree or equivalent work experience, four (4) year degree preferred. * Excellent communication skills. * Proficient in the use of computers and ability to learn new programs and tools as required The Sales Academy has two cohorts per year: Each training period is about 26 weeks (or 5 months) January 2025 - sessions begin the second week of January July 2025 - sessions begin in mid-July For internal use only: SalesAcad001, Sales001 Other details * Job Family Sales * Pay Type Salary Apply Now * Ann Arbor, MI, USA * Atlanta, GA, USA * Austin, TX, USA * Birmingham, AL, USA * Boise, ID, USA * Boston, MA, USA * Chicago, IL, USA * Cincinnati, OH, USA * Cleveland, OH, USA * Dallas, TX, USA * Denver, CO, USA * Des Moines, IA, USA * Detroit, MI, USA * El Paso, TX, USA * Grand Rapids, MI, USA * Kansas City, MO, USA * Knoxville, TN, USA * Los Angeles, CA, USA * Milwaukee, WI, USA * Minneapolis, MN, USA * Nashville, TN, USA * Philadelphia, PA, USA * Phoenix, AZ, USA * Portland, OR, USA * Providence, RI, USA * Raleigh, NC, USA * Richmond, VA, USA * Rochester, NY, USA * Sacramento, CA, USA * San Jose, CA, USA * St. Louis, MO, USA