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Sales manager

A sales manager helps people and companies find what they really need and sees the deal through to the end. They talk to clients, find out what problems they want to solve, explain a product or service, answer objections and sign contracts. If you find it easy to start a conversation, can be persuasive and like reaching goals, take a closer look at this career.

Sales manager

A good salesperson does not push; they listen and solve the client's problem. The work can be intense, with targets, rejections and tough negotiations. On the other hand, you see the results of your effort quickly, and sales experience is useful in almost any career, from running your own business to leading a team or working in marketing.

What the job involves

  • Finds new clients and calls or messages them
  • Holds meetings and presents products or services
  • Prepares commercial offers and contracts
  • Keeps the client database up to date in a CRM system
  • Stays in touch with clients after the purchase

Skills you need

  • Sociability

    Helps you start conversations easily and connect with different people.

  • Listening

    To offer the right solution, you need to understand what the client really needs.

  • Persistence

    Rejections are a normal part of the job, so it matters not to give up.

  • Product knowledge

    You have to explain confidently why a product is useful and how it differs from others.

  • Organisation

    You need to keep track of many clients, deadlines and agreements.

Who it suits

Personality types

Strong intelligences

  • Interpersonal
  • Linguistic

UNT subjects to take

State grants 2026

Main competition, full-time study. Quotas and separate state orders can have lower scores. Check your chances

Where to study

A special diploma is usually not required for sales, but many managers study marketing, management, economics or business. For these programmes at universities in Kazakhstan you usually take maths and geography on the UNT, and a bachelor's degree lasts four years. Such programmes exist, for example, at Narxoz University and KIMEP University. Colleges also offer commerce and marketing courses.

Many people come into sales from other fields: engineers sell equipment, biologists and chemists sell medicines and lab supplies, programmers sell IT solutions. You can start with an internship or a job as a sales assistant and build negotiation skills through trainings, debate clubs and school projects. Knowing Kazakh, Russian and English is a big plus.

Outlook

Sales managers are needed in almost every industry: retail, banking, insurance and IT companies, car dealerships, real estate, manufacturing and logistics. Today a lot of selling happens online, so employers in Kazakhstan value people who can work both with clients face to face and with messengers, marketplaces and CRM systems.

Frequently asked questions

Which UNT subjects do I need to become a sales manager?

Marketing, management and economics programmes usually require maths and geography. Check the exact list of programmes and subjects on the website of your chosen university.

Can I work in sales without a university degree?

Yes, many people start as sales assistants or junior managers and grow through experience. But a business education or an industry specialty can help you move further.

Is sales a good fit for an introvert?

Yes, although it can sometimes take more energy. Introverts are often good listeners and prepare carefully for meetings, which are valuable qualities in sales.

Is this career right for you?

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