College students have recently been showing more interests in sales.

A recent survey in four universities in Guangdong, found that nearly 20 per cent of the students questioned had done some work in sales.

The items ranged from clothing and beauty products to IT start-ups and the students said they had benefited from the experience.

In Beijing, Che Yunlin, an English major at Foreign Affairs College, says that working as a sales agent gives you a chance to practice patience and develop an extroverted personality. The former shy girl now sells Avon cosmetics and has learned to give advice on skin care, body lotions and moisturizers.

"Sometimes it was all in vain," she says, "Students may only be interested in a free trial. My initial experience was really frustrating. But I didn't give up and would always push myself."

Che learned about communication skills through the experience: "As a sales agent, you first build trust with your customers. I learned a lot about effective communication from the experience."

Apparently, the hard work paid off. Last month, she had sales worth 2,000 yuan (US$12) and earned 480 yuan (US$58).

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