School of Business Adds New Minor in Professional Sales
Published: May 27, 2022 | Author: Kenzie Lundberg | Read Time: 3 minutes
"We are excited as a team to build on the strong legacy of the Dixie L. Leavitt School of Business at SUU,” said Kurt Wankier, director of Professional Sales at SUU. “Our first year with Professional Sales was a success and laid the foundation for our students with the interest and aptitude in sales to enter their careers ahead of their peers in experience and education. We invite all students from all colleges and majors to select Professional Sales as a minor. Doing so will augment their skill and advance their career. Sales skills are vital in salary negotiation, business negotiation, entrepreneurship, medicine, law, and all other fields of study."
The minor provides a pathway for students to study, learn, and practice sales skills that are essential for career success. Ethical, capable, and highly-skilled sales is the primary economic driver for most businesses. Students earning a minor in professional sales will be required to take the new sales courses, sales foundations, advanced selling techniques, and a special topics class about negotiation. Course work can also include buyer behavior and market research and strategy, along with elective options in general psychology, motivation and emotion, personality theory, persuasion, and entrepreneurship.
Students receiving this minor will be equipped to join the sales workforce obtaining jobs as sales development representatives, director of sales, business sales account executives, mortgage bankers, account managers, and vice presidents over sales.
“A minor in sales is the most attractive minor any student could add to their education,” said current student Weston Adams. “Regardless of where you end up after graduation, sales skills will benefit you tremendously. Learning to effectively negotiate and sell a product or service will give you a step above the competition. Sales is even relevant in home life. Being able to understand and utilize techniques learned in the program will make you a more effective and valued member of society, enhance family relationships, and strengthen friendships. I believe every student, regardless of major, should heavily consider adding a sales minor to their degree. Don’t miss your opportunity to do so!”
The professional sales minor is supported by various sales pitch events throughout the year including Sales Never Fails and Thunder Sales Competition, as well as attendance to and participation in state and national sales competitions such as MarketStar Case Competition. These events give students the opportunity to practice the skills they learn in class with businesses from in and out of the state. The competitions also give them a chance to win prizes that often support their business endeavors with cash prizes or advising.
SUU’s Professional Sales program provides critical education for students to develop the skills and abilities necessary to succeed in sales-oriented professions at the highest levels of compensation. The program achieves success through in-class and real-life educational experiences that connect students with industry partners to pursue careers after graduation.
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