This study explored new sales professionals' perceptions of the skills needed in sales work and the methods they believed would support the development and enactment of their social and emotional abilities in sales training programs and therefore, their selling ability. Twenty-two in-depth interviews were conducted with new hires in a sales training program at a Fortune 500 company. The research found that new sales professionals view the development of strong communication skills and a high level of emotional intelligence important because they support them in creating relationships with customers and coworkers. Findings indicate that these abilities are best developed through extended involvement from the program and an increase in role-play activities during the employees early career development. Additionally, it was found that, in this organization, participants believed the enactment of their training is best supported by involvement from their manager after initial onboarding because managers are a central source of support and advice.