Firms providing business services such as computer and data processing, contract telemarketing, personnel supply, and advertising provided two-thirds of all wage and salary jobs. The remainder of services sales representatives' jobs were in other service industries, including hotels and motels, motion pictures, education, and engineering and management services. Some employers require services sales representatives to have a college degree, but requirements vary depending on the industry a company represents. Employers who market advertising services seek individuals with a college degree in advertising, marketing, or business administration. Companies marketing educational services prefer individuals with a degree in education, marketing, or a related field.
Many hotels seek graduates of hotel or tourism administration programs.
Companies selling computer, engineering, health or other highly technical services generally require a bachelor's degree appropriate to their field. Certification and licensing is also becoming more common for sales and marketing representatives. Employers may hire sales reps with only a high school diploma, if they have a proven sales record. This is particularly true for those who sell non-technical services, such as amusement and recreation services, cleaning services, Employers may hire sales reps with only a high school diploma, if they have a proven sales record. This is particularly true for those who sell non-technical services, such as amusement and recreation services, cleaning services, or photographic studios.