High School

Marketing, advertising, business, math, economics, and accounting courses will be the most valuable to you in preparing for a career as a car dealership sales manager. In addition, strong communication skills are essential for establishing relationships with sales teams and customers. Computer science classes are also important since it is virtually impossible to work in todays business world without knowing how to use a computer (including databases) or the Web and social media. In addition, take as many automotive classes as possible.

Postsecondary Training

As the business environment becomes more competitive, many people in the car sales management field are opting for an academic degree as a way of getting more training. Sales managers typically have a bachelors degree in marketing, advertising, or a related field. Other courses of study may be business communications or business management. While in school, its a good idea to complete at least one internship in the sales department at an automobile dealership or in another retail establishment to gain hands-on experience. Sales managers typically have degrees in marketing, advertising, or a related field.

Certification

Most colleges and universities offer undergraduate and graduate certificate programs in sales, marketing, and other areas of interest to automotive dealership sales managers. These programs—which last six months to a year—help sales managers learn new skills and make them more effective in the workplace.

Other Education or Training

Dealer associations at the national and state levels provide continuing education opportunities to dealership workers. Car sales managers continue their education through courses offered by groups such as the National Automobile Dealers Association, National Independent Automobile Dealers Association, and the Sales Management Association, among others. Contact these organizations for more information.

Certification or Licensing

There are no certification requirements for automotive dealership sales managers.

Students should obtain as much experience in the field as possible by participating in summer internships and part-time jobs in sales departments at automobile dealerships or at other retailers. Gaining experience in working with customers will provide a good foundation for future car sales management.

Whatever the experience and training, a dealership car sales manager needs clear communication skills, positive energy, patience, and time-management and organizational skills. Other important personal characteristics include maturity, creativity, and good business judgment. Sales managers also should be able to motivate employees and delegate responsibilities to their employees.