How do Adcoms view sales people?

[SCooFS]

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I have worked in sales for just about all of my college career, as well as customer service full time . Not really because I like it, more so out of necessity, having married young when neither of us were graduated. I learned a lot about talking to people and have been really successful. I pride myself on being honest with my work but worry about the bad reputation that salespeople, rightfully, carry. Will I be seen as focused on the wrong things? Keep in mind I have broad volunteering and research experiences

 

[MerciMerci]

Nobody is going to look at you negatively for supporting your family. Their are definitely ways to make this a positive, it will be about how you explain your experience on your primary/secondaries.

 

[Goro]

We have a lot of respect for people who had to work and go to school at the same time.

I have worked in sales for just about all of my college career, as well as customer service full time . Not really because I like it, more so out of necessity, having married young when neither of us were graduated. I learned a lot about talking to people and have been really successful. I pride myself on being honest with my work but worry about the bad reputation that salespeople, rightfully, carry. Will I be seen as focused on the wrong things? Keep in mind I have broad volunteering and research experiences

 

[DokterMom]

Strong sales skills are incredibly valuable throughout your life in pretty much any profession. You will always need to convince somebody of something, and that's what sales is all about. Sure, there is the downside of sleazy sales tactics in some types of sales -- but not all. Give your experiences enough thought to frame them appropriately: What you learned, the skills you gained, the skills you foresee being able to use in medicine.

And yes, have that 5-minute sales pitch ready for why the school should accept you --

 

[NeuResurgens]

I have heard that admissions looks favorably on customer service experience, even if it's fast food (although it's not a game changer or anything, obviously).

 

[deleted577188]

lol if I was an adcom I'd ask you to give me a 5 minute sales pitch on why you should be accepted

hahahaaaaaa that's hilarious

 

[NeuResurgens]

lol if I was an adcom I'd ask you to give me a 5 minute sales pitch on why you should be accepted

I applied to be a TA for a politics/diplomacy oriented class and they literally asked for my pitch about why they should take me. Haha

 

[Catalystik]

I have worked in sales for just about all of my college career, as well as customer service full time . Not really because I like it, more so out of necessity, having married young when neither of us were graduated. I learned a lot about talking to people and have been really successful. I pride myself on being honest with my work but worry about the bad reputation that salespeople, rightfully, carry. Will I be seen as focused on the wrong things? Keep in mind I have broad volunteering and research experiences

People skills and problem solving abilities are desirable traits in a future physician.