Opportunities also may be available with newspapers, radio or television stations, and other advertising media. They are concerned with research and development, packaging, manufacturing, sales and distribution, advertising, promotion, market research, and business analysis and forecasting. In consumer goods companies, the newcomer joins a brand team and learns the ropes by doing numerical analyses and watching the senior brand people. This person, if competent, eventually heads the team and is later assigned a larger brand to manage. Several industrial-goods companies also have product managers.
Product management is considered one of the best training grounds for future corporate officers.
The representatives handle complaints, suggestions, and problems concerning the company's products, determine what action is required, and coordinate the activities required to solve the problem. The position requires a person who is empathetic, diplomatic, and capable of working with a wide range of people both inside and outside the firm. They usually need a technical background. Most people start in sales and spend time in training and making calls with senior salespeople. If they stay in sales, they may advance to district, regional, and higher sales positions.