Should I become a Sales Engineer in this dying engineering sector?

[Jess10]

Hi,
I have just started a Sales role in a company specializing in die and investment casting. A friend of mine told me that this industry is dying everywhere in Europe. 10 yrs ago, I have not completed my Engineering degree. My ambition is to become a Sales Engineer (SE). My manager is happy to give me the appropriate technical and sales training to achieve this. Is it worth investing myself in this industry and learning all the technical sides? Could I become an interesting candidate as a SE in another industry? We mainly supply the aerospace. I am thinking of working in Germany in the future. Many thanks for your reply. jess

 

[MikeHalloran]

You never know what will be invented tomorrow, or what odd set of skills will be needed to sell it. ... so be prepared to sell anything, anywhere.

Die and investment casting is not disappearing from the Earth, it's just being moved to places where a little smoke, smell, or noise doesn't cause anyone to make a big fuss.

Those remote producers will need salesmen in your area more than the local producers once did. Who they gonna call? Make sure it's you.


Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[casseopeia]

Well take a look at this website link I posted at the bottom. It will give you a breakdown of sales jobs by State. There is also a lot of good information about salary structure too. Construction and industrial sales might be declining, but sales experience is sales experience. You can easily transition that skill to another product, like medical devices.

I met the founder on a commercial shoot and he seemed truly dedicated to providing the most complete source for sales jobs in the US. Can't hurt to check it out.

"Gorgeous hair is the best revenge." Ivana Trump

 

[KENAT]

'Cept I believe the OP may be in Blighty.

Certainly a lot of heavy industry has moved out of the UK but that's been happening since the 70's, and some might speculate the worst of it is over, though I'm not sure with how much confidence.

You want to be as, if not more, concerned about if the industries that buy the investment castings are dying in the location you want to be. As Mike says, if there is demand, then foreign manufacturers may want local sales reps.

None of us have accurate crystal balls, with the recent tough economic times there is talk in europe & US of trying to encourage manufacturing again, whether it goes anywhere is another matter.

Posting guidelines faq731-376

http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?

(probably not aimed specifically at you)
What is Engineering anyway: faq1088-1484​

 

[btrueblood]

I'd agree with Kenat, a company in the 1st world that is still offering casting services must be doing something right. Even if it's the last standing dinosaur, there are probably enough people left wanting to source a part from somebody nearer to home than Outer Mongolia to keep their doors open. Sell baby sell!