Does Sales count as work experience?

[binesean]

I am beginning the application process for MBA programs and am wondering if sales work counts as work experience. I have been a full-time, commission based salesman for the past 4 years while getting my undergraduate degree. I was also a retail manager for a year. I feel that this has given me a real understanding of the way businesses work on the front lines, advertising strategies, and how they portray themselves to consumers to maximize sales/growth. Any MBA students/alums (or anyone knowledgeable on the subject)out there with similar backgrounds, please respond. Thanks!

[alex]

Binesean: As an MBA alumnus with a 25-year career, I would say your work experience would be viewed favorably by an MBA admissions person. Not only do you have some professional experience, but you are also able to communicate it well in written English -- and communication skills is the top-ranked desired skill among employers in all the surveys I've seen.

-Alex