If you are an enthusiastic and persuasive character looking to climb the business career ladder then perhaps a job in sales would suit you? Many corporate leaders come from a sales background and most businesses are driven by a sales team responsible for keeping customers happy and winning new business - so you can pick the type of industry that most interests you. If you have a passion for cars, then perhaps consider working for an automobile manufacturer, or if you love magazines then a career in media advertising sales could be right for you.

Sales can also be a good career choice if you crave variety in your work and enjoy getting out of the office and meeting clients. Not all sales are completed face-to-face but professionals often have to put in the leg work first, visiting trade shows and exhibitions, meeting prospective clients and finding new ways to plug the products and services they are trying to sell.

Graduates wanting to pursue a career in sales are in high demand and can expect rapid career progression. Keep a look out for graduate sales recruitment schemes, which offer a decent starting salary, extensive training and sometimes even a company car.

The recent recession has had a significant impact on the sales sector as businesses attempt to cut costs and tighten their belts, but as the market picks up there are plenty of opportunities for talented and committed sales professionals to develop a successful career in the sector.

As sales are key to business, it can be a high pressure job especially in hard economic times when winning new business and retaining old customers can be difficult. Pay is sometimes performance-related in this sector, which unlike many other careers, means you are rewarded for the work you put in. Office-based sales professionals tend to work normal weekday hours, though in high-pressured environments with performance-related pay, some employees may choose to work longer hours to bring in more business and keep clients happy.