While I was earning my degree in Business Administration,I worked in the cosmetics department at Macy's for both Estee Lauder and Lancome. I remember the reps for each line would visit the store periodically to review sales goals,provide information on new products,assist with promotions,etc. Due to a work related injury,my twenty year career as a flight attendant with a major carrier came to abrupt end several months ago. I'd love to know what the various requirements are as well as what the career path for a sales representative for a major cosmetic line entails. I've scoured the internet but haven't been able to find a thing. I certainly wish I had inquired back in the day when I had the opportunity. Any information would be greatly appreciated!
Hi Lauri, unfortunately you need to climb the ladder to get to those positions. They start as working for counters, and move up move up move up til they get there. It takes years and years. Unless you already have very similar experience doing that kind of job for a cosmetic department, you'll need to start at a counter
I know of three people who are cosmetic regional sales reps who didn't start at the counter. Graduated with business management degrees with an a focus on retail sales management and merchandising. One landed a job with Fashion Fair cosmetics straight out of college. The second one works for Banana Boat and the third works Estee Lauder. The one for Estee Lauder spent one year working at a counter while attending college and when a position popped up after she graduated she applied and landed it. So I gotta disagree with Lauren C. on that one because I've seen quite the opposite. If you already have a degree in Business Admin and if you really have a lot of time on your hands maybe looking into the MBA programs (average length time is anywhere from 18 months to 2 years) and trying to locate an internship program with a make-up line as you go thru that program. A lot of people are these days are having to go back to school to obtain a completely new career and companies are seeing this so its not a ding on your part in wanting to get into the cosmetics industry. I know right off the bat you will definitely need to take a class in retail math. I took it...its a pain but as a cosmetics rep you will definitely need it. Also, merchandising as well. Have to know about product placement, etc. As an ex sales trainer I tell everyone regardless of the field...networking is key if you expect to break into the industry. Find out who the reps are via Linkedin and ask them for pointers. Develop a friendship with them and take it from there. Don't let anything discourage you. Take it from me....I wanted to get into the finance side of the auto industry. People told me I needed x,y and z. Said it wasn't possible without a degree or years of sales experience. Yada,yada. Proved them all wrong. I was top sales person in my region with the manufacturer I sold under within a year. And made finance manager within 3 years. All without a degree and an no experience. I hope I was some help to you.
That is all really great info Shelley. Being in this industry for so long, and dealing with so many reps for so long, I've never met one that didn't start from the very bottom, so I'm glad you were able to add a different insight to this conversation.
The class about retail math sounds really interesting. Great job on your accomplishments!
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Mar 20, 2012
Laurie G.
While I was earning my degree in Business Administration,I worked in the cosmetics department at Macy's for both Estee Lauder and Lancome. I remember the reps for each line would visit the store periodically to review sales goals,provide information on new products,assist with promotions,etc. Due to a work related injury,my twenty year career as a flight attendant with a major carrier came to abrupt end several months ago. I'd love to know what the various requirements are as well as what the career path for a sales representative for a major cosmetic line entails. I've scoured the internet but haven't been able to find a thing. I certainly wish I had inquired back in the day when I had the opportunity. Any information would be greatly appreciated!
Mar 20, 2012
Lauren C.
Hi Lauri, unfortunately you need to climb the ladder to get to those positions. They start as working for counters, and move up move up move up til they get there. It takes years and years. Unless you already have very similar experience doing that kind of job for a cosmetic department, you'll need to start at a counter
Mar 20, 2012
Shelley W.
I know of three people who are cosmetic regional sales reps who didn't start at the counter. Graduated with business management degrees with an a focus on retail sales management and merchandising. One landed a job with Fashion Fair cosmetics straight out of college. The second one works for Banana Boat and the third works Estee Lauder. The one for Estee Lauder spent one year working at a counter while attending college and when a position popped up after she graduated she applied and landed it. So I gotta disagree with Lauren C. on that one because I've seen quite the opposite. If you already have a degree in Business Admin and if you really have a lot of time on your hands maybe looking into the MBA programs (average length time is anywhere from 18 months to 2 years) and trying to locate an internship program with a make-up line as you go thru that program. A lot of people are these days are having to go back to school to obtain a completely new career and companies are seeing this so its not a ding on your part in wanting to get into the cosmetics industry. I know right off the bat you will definitely need to take a class in retail math. I took it...its a pain but as a cosmetics rep you will definitely need it. Also, merchandising as well. Have to know about product placement, etc. As an ex sales trainer I tell everyone regardless of the field...networking is key if you expect to break into the industry. Find out who the reps are via Linkedin and ask them for pointers. Develop a friendship with them and take it from there. Don't let anything discourage you. Take it from me....I wanted to get into the finance side of the auto industry. People told me I needed x,y and z. Said it wasn't possible without a degree or years of sales experience. Yada,yada. Proved them all wrong. I was top sales person in my region with the manufacturer I sold under within a year. And made finance manager within 3 years. All without a degree and an no experience. I hope I was some help to you.
Mar 21, 2012
Lauren C.
That is all really great info Shelley. Being in this industry for so long, and dealing with so many reps for so long, I've never met one that didn't start from the very bottom, so I'm glad you were able to add a different insight to this conversation.
The class about retail math sounds really interesting. Great job on your accomplishments!
Good luck Lauri!