Market Development Specialist Jobs for OPT Students
Market Development Specialist jobs are well-suited for F-1 OPT students with backgrounds in marketing, business, or communications. Most roles qualify as specialty occupations for H-1B sponsorship. Your 12-month OPT window, or 24-month STEM extension if eligible, gives you real runway to prove your value and convert to long-term sponsorship.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
This position is for a person that has a strong passion and enthusiasm for specific assigned products and can effectively analyze, sell and educate Curtis staff and customers. This position requires in-person visits and promoting our Company and our solutions involving PPE equipment and services to emergency responders and other customers. Sales calls are made on a regular and frequent basis as sales conditions warrant. It is essential for the Market Development Specialist to provide detailed, technical, and knowledge-based information to current and potential buyers on various products, programs and services offered by the company. The Market Development Specialist must be able to analyze market trends, develop sales, identify opportunities, gather feedback, and make helpful product recommendations and suggestions to increase revenue related to specific products. The Market Development Specialist must devote full time to their duties as an employee of L.N. Curtis & sons.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
This position will handle the following territories: Washington, Northern Idaho, Western Montana, Oregon, and Alaska. Must reside in the territory being covered. Duties and Responsibilities to include:
- Conduct market research and analyze trends in specifically assigned products and PPE equipment.
- Assist with development of business plans in assigned territory.
- Maintain excellent knowledge of assigned products, PPE equipment and our services.
- Reach out to customer leads by cold calling.
- Train and educate company sales and support teams.
- Maintain regular contact with the inside and outside sales team, customers, and frequent communication with your leader.
- Identify new market opportunities and relay this information to your leader.
- Provide helpful product recommendations and suggestions to increase revenue.
- Compare and contrast features and benefits of products offered versus competition in the marketplace.
- Schedule appointments; meet customers in order to review customer needs, product and service requirements, and to determine other opportunities for a successful relationship.
- Effectively plan, design and facilitate presentations and product demonstrations by meeting customers face-to-face on a regular basis.
- Execute information exchange with customers on products and services with the objective of assisting customers with their requirements.
- Meet or exceed defined sales goals and individual objectives.
- Generate and develop new opportunities for the sale of our products and services.
- Continuously update all customers and sales team on product modifications, changes and enhancements.
- Enhance sales team’s knowledge of products and services through regular communication and attending in-person training.
- Maintain professionalism, diplomacy, sensitivity, and tact to portray the company in a positive manner.
- Effectively attend conferences and trade shows as assigned.
- Comply with all Company travel, expense, and business ethics policies.
- Use marketing data to maximize sales effectiveness and efficiency.
- Use required sales tools.
- Keep management informed by submitting required reports.
- Update and maintain customer accounts including contact names, addresses, opportunities, products used, etc. in NetSuite.
- Travel away from home consistently and for extended periods.
- Successfully maintain long work hours.
- Maintain an excellent driving record that meets the requirements of our insurance provider.
- Monitor and report on market and competitive activities.
- Other duties as assigned by management to address and provide effective support of company mission, values and goals.
PRE-REQUISITE CORE COMPETENCIES
- Knowledge of your assigned products (which may include, but is not limited to, PPE equipment, rescue tools & equipment, and respiratory products).
- Must have a relentless desire to be the best.
- Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in written forms.
- Strong Work Ethic.
- Proven attention to detail.
- Self-starter with willingness to do whatever is necessary to support the team.
- Demonstrated good judgement and a high degree of integrity.
- A history of continuing professional and personal development.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Skills Required:
- Provide a positive experience for all customers and employees of the company.
- Passion for the products you work with and a desire to expand product knowledge.
- Ability to work effectively in a team environment and independently.
- Effective time management, organization and multitasking skills.
- Special people skills to deal with customers and employees of the company.
- Outgoing personality.
- Ability to schedule and attend meetings as required.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; Outlook, Excel and Word.
- Proper and safe handling of tools and products we promote.
Experience Required:
- High school diploma.
- Experience in sales or marketing related field.
Experience Preferred:
- College graduate is preferred or equivalent work experience in sales or marketing.
- Proven work history and success in the realm of your assigned product(s).
About us
L.N. Curtis & sons is a privately owned and operated corporation that provides Tools for Heroes. The company is headquartered in Walnut Creek, California. Operational centers are located in Salt Lake City, Utah; Kent, Washington; Santa Fe Springs, California; and Gilbert, Arizona. Established in 1929, L.N. Curtis & sons is the premier distributor of first responder equipment and actively sells and services in the United States. The company is focused on servicing the thirteen Western states and the U.S. Government worldwide. L.N. Curtis & sons is committed to supplying the fire and law enforcement industry with the most modern, safe and effective products available. L.N. Curtis & sons is a company whose principal product is service, whose principal resource is people, and whose principal purpose is to be a distinguished leader in the field of supplying and servicing emergency responder equipment.
L.N. Curtis & sons is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, political views or activity, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. Additionally, L.N. Curtis & sons participates in the E-Verify program as required by law. You may view our Equal Employment, Pay Transparency and E-Verify notices at https://www.lncurtis.com/careers. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at hrsupport@lncurtis.com.
INTRODUCTION
This position is for a person that has a strong passion and enthusiasm for specific assigned products and can effectively analyze, sell and educate Curtis staff and customers. This position requires in-person visits and promoting our Company and our solutions involving PPE equipment and services to emergency responders and other customers. Sales calls are made on a regular and frequent basis as sales conditions warrant. It is essential for the Market Development Specialist to provide detailed, technical, and knowledge-based information to current and potential buyers on various products, programs and services offered by the company. The Market Development Specialist must be able to analyze market trends, develop sales, identify opportunities, gather feedback, and make helpful product recommendations and suggestions to increase revenue related to specific products. The Market Development Specialist must devote full time to their duties as an employee of L.N. Curtis & sons.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
This position will handle the following territories: Washington, Northern Idaho, Western Montana, Oregon, and Alaska. Must reside in the territory being covered. Duties and Responsibilities to include:
- Conduct market research and analyze trends in specifically assigned products and PPE equipment.
- Assist with development of business plans in assigned territory.
- Maintain excellent knowledge of assigned products, PPE equipment and our services.
- Reach out to customer leads by cold calling.
- Train and educate company sales and support teams.
- Maintain regular contact with the inside and outside sales team, customers, and frequent communication with your leader.
- Identify new market opportunities and relay this information to your leader.
- Provide helpful product recommendations and suggestions to increase revenue.
- Compare and contrast features and benefits of products offered versus competition in the marketplace.
- Schedule appointments; meet customers in order to review customer needs, product and service requirements, and to determine other opportunities for a successful relationship.
- Effectively plan, design and facilitate presentations and product demonstrations by meeting customers face-to-face on a regular basis.
- Execute information exchange with customers on products and services with the objective of assisting customers with their requirements.
- Meet or exceed defined sales goals and individual objectives.
- Generate and develop new opportunities for the sale of our products and services.
- Continuously update all customers and sales team on product modifications, changes and enhancements.
- Enhance sales team’s knowledge of products and services through regular communication and attending in-person training.
- Maintain professionalism, diplomacy, sensitivity, and tact to portray the company in a positive manner.
- Effectively attend conferences and trade shows as assigned.
- Comply with all Company travel, expense, and business ethics policies.
- Use marketing data to maximize sales effectiveness and efficiency.
- Use required sales tools.
- Keep management informed by submitting required reports.
- Update and maintain customer accounts including contact names, addresses, opportunities, products used, etc. in NetSuite.
- Travel away from home consistently and for extended periods.
- Successfully maintain long work hours.
- Maintain an excellent driving record that meets the requirements of our insurance provider.
- Monitor and report on market and competitive activities.
- Other duties as assigned by management to address and provide effective support of company mission, values and goals.
PRE-REQUISITE CORE COMPETENCIES
- Knowledge of your assigned products (which may include, but is not limited to, PPE equipment, rescue tools & equipment, and respiratory products).
- Must have a relentless desire to be the best.
- Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in written forms.
- Strong Work Ethic.
- Proven attention to detail.
- Self-starter with willingness to do whatever is necessary to support the team.
- Demonstrated good judgement and a high degree of integrity.
- A history of continuing professional and personal development.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Skills Required:
- Provide a positive experience for all customers and employees of the company.
- Passion for the products you work with and a desire to expand product knowledge.
- Ability to work effectively in a team environment and independently.
- Effective time management, organization and multitasking skills.
- Special people skills to deal with customers and employees of the company.
- Outgoing personality.
- Ability to schedule and attend meetings as required.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; Outlook, Excel and Word.
- Proper and safe handling of tools and products we promote.
Experience Required:
- High school diploma.
- Experience in sales or marketing related field.
Experience Preferred:
- College graduate is preferred or equivalent work experience in sales or marketing.
- Proven work history and success in the realm of your assigned product(s).
About us
L.N. Curtis & sons is a privately owned and operated corporation that provides Tools for Heroes. The company is headquartered in Walnut Creek, California. Operational centers are located in Salt Lake City, Utah; Kent, Washington; Santa Fe Springs, California; and Gilbert, Arizona. Established in 1929, L.N. Curtis & sons is the premier distributor of first responder equipment and actively sells and services in the United States. The company is focused on servicing the thirteen Western states and the U.S. Government worldwide. L.N. Curtis & sons is committed to supplying the fire and law enforcement industry with the most modern, safe and effective products available. L.N. Curtis & sons is a company whose principal product is service, whose principal resource is people, and whose principal purpose is to be a distinguished leader in the field of supplying and servicing emergency responder equipment.
L.N. Curtis & sons is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, political views or activity, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. Additionally, L.N. Curtis & sons participates in the E-Verify program as required by law. You may view our Equal Employment, Pay Transparency and E-Verify notices at https://www.lncurtis.com/careers. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at hrsupport@lncurtis.com.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Market Development Specialist
Target companies with active H-1B sponsorship history
Search Department of Labor disclosure data to find employers who have sponsored H-1B visas for market development or business development roles. Past sponsorship is the strongest signal that a company will do it again for the right candidate.
Lead with business impact, not immigration status
Quantify your pipeline contributions, campaign results, or market research outcomes before raising OPT. Employers sponsor candidates who solve real problems. Demonstrating measurable value makes the visa conversation feel like a formality, not a risk.
Apply during STEM OPT if your degree qualifies
Marketing analytics, data-driven business development, and quantitative market research roles may qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. That longer runway significantly reduces employer urgency around H-1B timing and makes sponsorship conversations easier.
Clarify the specialty occupation argument for your role
Market Development Specialists need to show the role requires a specific degree, not just any bachelor's. Roles tied to product marketing, technical sales, or quantitative research have clearer specialty occupation arguments than broad generalist titles.
Use Migrate Mate to find OPT-friendly employers
Browse Market Development Specialist roles on Migrate Mate to identify employers who have sponsored international employees before. Focusing your applications on sponsorship-ready companies saves time and significantly improves your chances of converting OPT to full sponsorship.
Market Development Specialist jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do Market Development Specialist roles qualify as specialty occupations for H-1B sponsorship?
Most do, but the argument depends on how the role is scoped. Positions tied to marketing strategy, product commercialization, or quantitative market analysis, where a specific degree in marketing, business, or a related field is genuinely required, meet the specialty occupation standard. Broad generalist roles that accept any bachelor's degree are harder to support and should be evaluated carefully before accepting an offer.
Can I work as a Market Development Specialist on F-1 OPT without prior employer authorization?
Yes. F-1 OPT authorizes you to work in a job directly related to your degree field without needing employer-specific USCIS approval. A marketing or business degree typically supports Market Development Specialist roles. You do need your EAD card in hand before your first day, and your job must be in a field related to your area of study, not any job you choose.
How much time do I realistically have to find H-1B sponsorship as a Market Development Specialist on OPT?
Standard OPT gives you 12 months. If your degree is in a STEM field and your role involves quantitative work, such as marketing analytics or data-driven market research, you may qualify for a 24-month STEM extension, giving you up to 36 months total. Most employers who sponsor H-1B visas for market development roles need at least three to four months of lead time before your OPT expires.
Where can I find Market Development Specialist jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters for employers with demonstrated visa sponsorship history. Searching there rather than general job boards means you spend less time on roles where sponsorship is never going to happen, and more time on companies that already understand the process and are willing to support international employees.
Does my degree field affect whether my Market Development Specialist job qualifies under OPT?
Yes, directly. OPT requires that your job be related to your field of study. A marketing, business administration, communications, or economics degree supports most Market Development Specialist roles without issue. If your degree is in an unrelated field, like engineering or biology, you will need to document a clear connection between your coursework and the specific responsibilities of the role to satisfy the relatedness requirement.
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