How to Be a Product Specialist

You may have heard the job description “product specialist” used and have, at best, a vague idea of what it entails. Typically, a product specialist should have a background in marketing, sales, or business management.

3C Contact Services advises its partners that if they want their agents to be true product specialists, their job description should include being involved in the product development process, as well as in supply chain analysis in whatever product or service your organization offers.

A product specialist should also have good communication skills, the ability to think critically, and strong leadership qualities.

What Does Being a Product Specialist Involve?

The job description should also include being involved in all aspects of product development. If your agent is involved in the development from beginning to end, they’ll have a clear understanding of it as well. Their marketing background also comes into play since they will be able to find the best way to effectively market the product.

What Should a Product Specialist Job Description Involve?

Ideally, a product specialist should have a bachelor’s degree in marketing, sales, or business administration. Their education should be tailored towards whichever field they are interested in working in so they can meet the minimum requirements expected of them.

Prior Work Experience

A product specialist should have previous experience related to the position. Many start out in market or consumer research to gain this experience; if you’re looking to fill any positions, these areas can present excellent opportunities for recent graduates. This knowledge will serve both the agent and employer well, as the agent can gain experience for future positions and employers can fill jobs internally with trained employees.

The Ability to Think Outside the Box

This is one of the unspoken parts of a product specialist’s job description. Any specialist worth their salt should be able to think critically and come up with ways to set the product or service apart from your organization’s competition. It also means that they should be able to analyze and capitalize on market trends, thereby putting you ahead of the curve.

Finally, a product specialist should be able to communicate with the different departments in your organization and represent your company to clients.

Source:
“How Do I Become a Product Specialist,” wiseGEEK web site; http://www.wisegeek.com/how-do-i-become-a-product-specialist.htm, last accessed February 19, 2015.