Kareem Smith

"It's not what you sell, it's how you communicate." - Robert Kiyosaki

Why Sales?

There is often a pivotal moment when a person discovers their true calling. A instant of clarity where passion aligns with purpose. For me, that moment arrived during my first year at UCF.

While balancing my coursework, I took on my first professional selling role with Vivint, working door-to-door four days a week. When winter break arrived, I returned home with a newly developed skill set. While home I noticed a profound shift in how I interacted with the people closest to me. Without even realizing it, the communication skills I had sharpened in the field began transforming my personal relationships. I was listening more intently, expressing myself more clearly, and bridging gaps in conversation. 

This all came to a head one day after I got home and my parents were waiting to talk with me. They wanted to offer personal advice on how to spend my break to its full potential. Instead of reluctantly obliging, I listened intently to everything they had to share. I valued the advice they gave me, and in a sincere and impactful manner, I was able to openly communicate the way I felt. My parents are both very professional and successful, and for much of my upbringing, I felt belittled when they would not consider my point of view. It felt at times like even when I was undoubtedly correct in my perspective, my input fell on deaf ears. It was in this moment I realized it does not matter what I have to say if I cannot say it in a way that will make them want to listen. I also realized that they will never listen to me if I don't wholeheartedly listen to them. For the first time, I truly understood my parents, and equally as important, I felt understood by them.

That realization changed everything. Sales is far more than transactions or persuasion. Sales is the art of human connection, active empathy, and clear communication. I chose sales because I am motivated by understanding different perspectives, creating mutual value, and building strong, lasting relationships where everyone feels heard and supported.