Curious about graduate sales job titles? This guide explains the most common titles – from Sales Executive to Business Development Executive – including SDR, and what each role typically involves. It also explains B2B and B2C distinctions, helping graduates target the right opportunities with confidence.
Why Sales Job Titles Matter
for Graduates
Starting your career in sales can feel overwhelming. There are so many job titles – Sales Executive, Account Manager, Business Development Executive, SDR – that it’s easy to wonder which role is right for you. Understanding these titles is more than just semantics. It’s about knowing what your day-to-day work will look like, what skills you’ll develop, and which path will help you achieve your career goals.
By learning the differences between sales job titles, and whether they are B2B (business-to-business) or B2C (business-to-consumer), you’ll be able to target the right roles, tailor your applications, and go into interviews with confidence.
Below, we break down the most common graduate sales job titles and what they involve, so you can see where you fit best in the world of sales.
Common Graduate Sales Job Titles
Understanding the titles is just the first step – each role can offer a very different experience, even at graduate level. Some positions are client-facing, some focus on generating new leads, and some concentrate on managing existing relationships. Knowing these differences will help you make a more informed choice and start your sales career on the right foot.
Here’s a clear breakdown of popular entry-level and early-career sales job titles, grouped by focus.
1. Business Development Roles
These roles focus on generating new business opportunities, often in B2B environments.
Common titles:
- Business Development Executive (BDE)
- Business Development Consultant
- Sales Development Representative (SDR) – common in tech and SaaS
- Account Development Representative (ADR) – often used in B2B sales
Typical responsibilities:
- Prospecting new clients
- Cold calling or emailing
- Booking meetings for senior sales staff
Sales Development Representative (SDR) and Business Development Executive (BDE) roles are very similar – SDR is more common in tech, while BDE is widely used across industries. These roles usually involve selling products or services to other businesses and are ideal for graduates who enjoy relationship-building and strategic thinking.
2. Sales Executive & Consultant Roles
These are client-facing, revenue-focused roles, which can be either B2B or B2C depending on the industry.
Common titles:
- Sales Executive
- Sales Consultant
- Sales Representative
Typical responsibilities:
- Selling products or services directly
- Managing client relationships
- Meeting sales targets
These roles are perfect for graduates who are confident, target-driven, and enjoy interacting with people. B2C sales tend to focus on higher-volume consumer interactions, while B2B sales usually involve longer sales cycles and larger deals.
3. Account Management Roles
These roles focus on retaining and growing existing client relationships, often in B2B sectors.
Common titles:
- Account Manager
- Account Executive
- Client Relationship Manager
Typical responsibilities:
- Retaining and growing existing accounts
- Upselling and cross-selling
- Acting as the main client contact
Account management is ideal for graduates who are relationship-focused and enjoy working with clients over the long term, helping them solve problems and achieve business goals.
4. Field vs Internal Sales Roles
These job titles indicate where the sales activity happens.
Common titles:
- Field Sales Representative – face-to-face client meetings, often B2B
- Internal Sales Executive – office-based, selling via phone or email, can be B2B or B2C
Typical responsibilities:
- Field Sales: client visits, territory management, travel
- Internal Sales: inbound/outbound calls, CRM management, remote selling
For graduates, field sales roles can offer the excitement of travel and face-to-face interaction (& even a top of the range company car!), while internal sales roles are a great way to build skills in client communication and pipeline management.
5. Other Job Titles You Might Encounter
Some companies use creative or sector-specific titles:
- Sales Associate – often in B2C retail or luxury goods
- Commercial Executive – common in media, publishing or FMCG, often B2B
- Sales Coordinator – admin-focused, supporting the sales team
- Lead Generation Specialist – focused on prospecting, usually B2B
- Retail Field Marketing Executive – visiting retail stores to promote products, train staff, or manage displays (often B2C)
These roles can be a great stepping stone for graduates, offering exposure to different aspects of sales and the opportunity to develop transferable skills.
Tips for Graduates Navigating Sales Job Titles
- Read job descriptions carefully – titles can vary widely across industries.
- Look for key phrases like ‘target-driven’, ‘client-facing’, or ‘commission’ to understand the role.
- Check if the role is B2B or B2C – this affects the sales approach, targets, and career progression.
- Ask questions in interviews about responsibilities, progression and targets if the title isn’t clear.
- Use this insight to tailor your job searches. Knowing the difference between titles – and whether they are B2B (business-to-business) or B2C (business-to-consumer) – allows you to filter roles that suit your strengths, interests, and career ambitions.
Conclusion: Know What You’re Applying For
Understanding graduate sales job titles – and whether a role is B2B or B2C – helps you apply strategically, tailor your CV, and prepare for interviews with confidence. Knowing what each title involves allows you to pick the path that aligns with your strengths and career goals, giving you the best chance to succeed in sales from day one.
Starting your graduate sales career with the right insight can make all the difference. Take the time to explore these titles, reflect on your skills, and aim for the roles that excite you most.
FAQs: Grad Sales Job Titles
Q1: What’s the difference between a Sales Executive and a Business Development Executive?
Sales Executives focus on closing deals, while Business Development Executives generate new leads and open opportunities.
Q2: Is Account Manager a graduate-level role?
Yes. Many Account Manager roles in recruitment, media or tech are suitable for graduates.
Q3: Are SDR and BDE the same thing?
They are very similar. SDR is more common in tech and SaaS, while BDE is used more broadly across industries.
Q4: What is the difference between B2B and B2C sales roles?
B2B roles involve selling products or services to other businesses, often with longer sales cycles. B2C roles focus on selling directly to individual consumers, usually at higher volumes.
Q5: Which sales role is best for a graduate?
It depends on your skills. Relationship-focused graduates may thrive in Account Management, while target-driven, competitive graduates often excel in BDE or SDR roles. Consider whether you prefer B2B or B2C environments too.