Sales Engineers

Job Zone

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Sell products requiring extensive technical expertise and support for installation and use, such as material handling equipment, numerical-control machinery, or computer systems.91
Develop, present, or respond to proposals for specific customer requirements, including request for proposal responses and industry-specific solutions.90
Collaborate with sales teams to understand customer requirements, to promote the sale of company products, and to provide sales support.84
Create sales or service contracts for products or services.79
Visit prospective buyers at commercial, industrial, or other establishments to show samples or catalogs, and to inform them about product pricing, availability, and advantages.78
Keep informed on industry news and trends, products, services, competitors, relevant information about legacy, existing, and emerging technologies, and the latest product-line developments.76
Identify resale opportunities and support them to achieve sales plans.76
Confer with customers and engineers to assess equipment needs and to determine system requirements.75
Plan and modify product configurations to meet customer needs.74
Prepare and deliver technical presentations that explain products or services to customers and prospective customers.74
Recommend improved materials or machinery to customers, documenting how such changes will lower costs or increase production.73
Maintain sales forecasting reports.73

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Document account activities, generate reports, and keep records of business transactions with customers and suppliers.73
Research and identify potential customers for products or services.71
Secure and renew orders and arrange delivery.71
Develop sales plans to introduce products in new markets.70
Provide information needed for the development of custom-made machinery.68
Attend trade shows and seminars to promote products or to learn about industry developments.67
Provide technical and non-technical support and services to clients or other staff members regarding the use, operation, and maintenance of equipment.67
Attend company training seminars to become familiar with product lines.64
Diagnose problems with installed equipment.64
Arrange for demonstrations or trial installations of equipment.59
Write technical documentation for products.56
Train team members in the customer applications of technologies.54
Report to supervisors about prospective firms' credit ratings.41

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Persuasion78
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Speaking78
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Listening75
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking75
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Judgment and Decision Making75
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Reading Comprehension75
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Social Perceptiveness75
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Complex Problem Solving72
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Negotiation72
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Active Learning69
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Service Orientation69
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Writing69
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

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Systems Analysis66
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Systems Evaluation63
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Time Management63
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Coordination60
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Instructing60
Teaching others how to do something.
Learning Strategies50
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Mathematics50
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Monitoring47
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Operations Analysis44
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Technology Design44
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Management of Personnel Resources41
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Management of Financial Resources35
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Management of Material Resources31
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Science28
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Equipment Selection22
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Operations Monitoring22
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Programming22
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Quality Control Analysis22
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Troubleshooting19
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Operation and Control16
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Equipment Maintenance0
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Repairing0
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Customer and Personal Service89
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Sales and Marketing84
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Engineering and Technology83
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
English Language82
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Mathematics70
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Administration and Management67
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Design59
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Administrative55
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Mechanical50
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Computers and Electronics48
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Economics and Accounting48
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Physics47
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.

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Personnel and Human Resources46
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Education and Training44
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Production and Processing38
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Communications and Media35
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Psychology23
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Chemistry20
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Telecommunications18
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Law and Government17
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Transportation17
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Geography15
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Public Safety and Security13
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Building and Construction12
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Foreign Language10
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Philosophy and Theology7
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Sociology and Anthropology6
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Therapy and Counseling5
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Biology4
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Food Production3
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
History and Archeology2
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Medicine and Dentistry2
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Fine Arts1
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Oral Expression78
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Speech Clarity78
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Deductive Reasoning75
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Inductive Reasoning75
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Oral Comprehension75
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Speech Recognition75
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Written Comprehension75
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Written Expression72
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Information Ordering69
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Problem Sensitivity69
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Category Flexibility66
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Fluency of Ideas66
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).

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Near Vision66
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Originality60
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Number Facility56
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Mathematical Reasoning53
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Memorization50
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Speed of Closure50
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Flexibility of Closure47
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Selective Attention47
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Visualization47
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Far Vision44
The ability to see details at a distance.
Perceptual Speed44
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Time Sharing41
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Visual Color Discrimination38
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Depth Perception28
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Finger Dexterity28
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Auditory Attention25
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Arm-Hand Steadiness22
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Hearing Sensitivity22
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Manual Dexterity22
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Control Precision19
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Trunk Strength19
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Wrist-Finger Speed13
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Multilimb Coordination10
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Dynamic Flexibility0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Dynamic Strength0
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Explosive Strength0
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Extent Flexibility0
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Glare Sensitivity0
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Gross Body Coordination0
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Gross Body Equilibrium0
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Night Vision0
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Peripheral Vision0
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Rate Control0
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Reaction Time0
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Response Orientation0
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Sound Localization0
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Spatial Orientation0
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Speed of Limb Movement0
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Stamina0
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Static Strength0
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Communicating with People Outside the Organization86
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Getting Information85
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Selling or Influencing Others83
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events80
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Working with Computers80
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information77
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships75
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates74
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Thinking Creatively74
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge72
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems71
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards66
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

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Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work66
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Analyzing Data or Information64
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others63
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others61
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Processing Information60
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Training and Teaching Others59
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Documenting/Recording Information58
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Developing Objectives and Strategies56
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People54
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others50
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Performing Administrative Activities47
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Scheduling Work and Activities42
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public40
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Coaching and Developing Others39
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others38
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates36
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Developing and Building Teams34
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment31
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings31
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Assisting and Caring for Others25
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment23
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources21
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment21
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials19
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Controlling Machines and Processes18
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment15
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Staffing Organizational Units15
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Performing General Physical Activities14
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Handling and Moving Objects11
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Dependability84
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Social Orientation82
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Perseverance81
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Achievement Orientation75
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Self-Confidence73
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Intellectual Curiosity72
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Innovation70
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
Adaptability68
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Initiative68
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Attention to Detail66
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Cooperation61
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Integrity60
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.

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Stress Tolerance60
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Leadership Orientation58
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
Self-Control55
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Optimism53
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Tolerance for Ambiguity50
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
Empathy45
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.
Sincerity33
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Cautiousness22
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Enterprising80
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Conventional59
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Investigative43
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Realistic40
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Social30
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Artistic13
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

E-Mail
- Every day100%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day87%
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day87%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others60%
- Contact with others most of the time36%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important60%
- Very important37%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day68%
- Once a week or more but not every day21%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day56%
- Once a week or more but not every day40%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom65%
- Some freedom16%
- Limited freedom19%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results66%
- Important results19%
- Moderate results13%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom45%
- Some freedom52%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important45%
- Very important28%
- Important26%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours55%
- 40 hours45%

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Time Pressure
- Every day23%
- Once a week or more but not every day55%
- Once a month or more but not every week22%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important54%
- Very important13%
- Important14%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important33%
- Very important35%
- Important28%
Level of Competition
- Extremely competitive21%
- Highly competitive35%
- Moderately competitive39%
Spend Time Sitting
- Continually or almost continually19%
- More than half the time33%
- About half the time47%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility26%
- High responsibility28%
- Moderate responsibility22%
- Limited responsibility24%
Conflict Situations
- Once a week or more but not every day36%
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
- Once a year or more but not every month45%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important21%
- Very important27%
- Fairly important11%
- Not important at all32%
Written Letters and Memos
- Once a week or more but not every day15%
- Once a month or more but not every week50%
- Never21%
Consequence of Error
- Serious24%
- Fairly serious44%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility15%
- Moderate responsibility33%
- Limited responsibility37%
- No responsibility14%
Public Speaking
- Every day12%
- Once a month or more but not every week17%
- Once a year or more but not every month58%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Once a week or more but not every day11%
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
- Once a year or more but not every month75%
Physical Proximity
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)20%
- I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)73%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- More than half the time11%
- About half the time21%
- Less than half the time31%
- Never37%
Spend Time Standing
- About half the time29%
- Less than half the time47%
- Never24%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Once a year or more but not every month25%
- Never52%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Once a month or more but not every week31%
- Never55%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Once a year or more but not every month35%
- Never48%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
- Once a year or more but not every month21%
- Never61%
Degree of Automation
- Moderately automated12%
- Slightly automated38%
- Not at all automated50%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Once a year or more but not every month33%
- Never61%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually11%
- Less than half the time13%
- Never77%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Less than half the time53%
- Never47%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Once a year or more but not every month27%
- Never67%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Once a year or more but not every month22%
- Never72%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Never86%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Never94%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Never94%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Never90%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Not important at all92%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Never94%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never94%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Never92%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Never94%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Never94%
Work Schedules
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)96%
Exposed to High Places
- Never97%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Never97%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Never100%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Never100%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Never100%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never100%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Never100%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

Bachelor’s degree

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Hyperion Solutions Hyperion System 9 Bi+, Oracle PeopleSoft, SAP Business Objects, SAP software
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint, WebEx Sales Center
Data base user interface and query software
Amazon Web Services AWS software, IBM DB2, Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle Database
Web platform development software
Extensible hypertext markup language XHTML, JavaScript, PHP, React
Operating system software
Apple iOS, Microsoft Windows Server, Shell script, UNIX
Data base management system software
Apache Cassandra, Apache Hadoop, Apache Pig, Teradata Database
Object or component oriented development software
C++, Oracle Java, Perl, R
Business intelligence and data analysis software
IBM Cognos Business Intelligence, IBM Cognos Impromptu, MapReduce big data software, MicroStrategy
Development environment software
C, Microsoft Azure software, Ruby
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Exchange, Microsoft Outlook
Application server software
Docker, Kubernetes
Customer relationship management CRM software
Microsoft Dynamics, Salesforce software
Enterprise application integration software
Enterprise application integration EAI software, Extensible markup language XML
Office suite software
Google Workspace software, Microsoft Office software
Cloud-based data access and sharing software
Platform as a service PaaS, Software as a service SaaS
Network security and virtual private network VPN equipment software
Firewall software, Virtual private networking VPN software
Computer aided design CAD software
Autodesk AutoCAD, Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
Internet directory services software
Microsoft Active Directory, Network directory services software
Transaction security and virus protection software
McAfee, NortonLifeLock cybersecurity software
Cloud-based management software
Google Cloud software, Splunk Enterprise
Project management software
Microsoft Project, Microsoft Teams
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Content workflow software
Atlassian JIRA
Authentication server software
Single sign-on SSO
Network monitoring software
Wireshark
Access software
Citrix cloud computing software
Expert system software
Ansible software
Graphics or photo imaging software
Graphics software
Document management software
Microsoft SharePoint
Video conferencing software
Microsoft Office Live Meeting
Communications server software
IBM Domino
Network security or virtual private network VPN management software
Cisco Systems VPN Client
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Financial analysis software
Sales analysis software
Administration software
Cisco Systems CiscoWorks
Data base reporting software
SAP BusinessObjects Crystal Reports
Internet browser software
Web browser software
Internet protocol IP multimedia subsystem software
Voice over internet protocol VoIP system software
Calendar and scheduling software
Scheduling software
Switch or router software
Border Gateway Protocol BGP
Process mapping and design software
Microsoft Visio

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Sell products or services.
Develop proposals for current or prospective customers.
Share sales-related or market information with colleagues.
Prepare sales or other contracts.
Contact current or potential customers to promote products or services.
Demonstrate products to consumers.
Identify potential customers.
Monitor market conditions or trends.
Discuss design or technical features of products or services with technical personnel.
Gather customer or product information to determine customer needs.
Deliver promotional presentations to current or prospective customers.
Develop content for sales presentations or other materials.

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Explain technical product or service information to customers.
Implement design or process improvements.
Explain financial information to customers.
Maintain records of sales or other business transactions.
Prepare financial documents, reports, or budgets.
Recommend products or services to customers.
Arrange delivery of goods or services.
Develop marketing plans or strategies.
Attend events to develop professional knowledge.
Advise customers on the use of products or services.
Troubleshoot equipment or systems operation problems.
Prepare technical or operational reports.
Train sales personnel.

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology