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Sales Excellence at La 91ֱ
The Center for Sales Excellence (CSE) is an associate member of the University Sales Center Alliance (USCA), a consortium of sales educators who are dedicated to advancing the sales profession through teaching, research, and outreach. With our real-world, practical curriculum, and engaged corporate partners, in a state-of-the art sales training lab and role-play rooms, the CSE has earned the distinction of being named among the “Top Universities for Professional Sales Education in 2019” by the .
Why engage with the CSE?
Curriculum and Certification
Our sales curriculum consists of courses in Personal Selling, Sales Management, Business to Business (B2B) Marketing and Advanced Sales/CRM. Except for B2B Marketing, all sales classes are capped at no more than 20 students per section.
Students who meet the certification requirements of the University Sales Center Alliance (USCA) are eligible for a USCA sales certificate when they graduate. This certification is open to all majors.
To qualify for the USCA certificate, students must complete three sales-dedicated courses (including Personal Selling) and a list of pre-approved sales-related experiences ranging from competing in a sales competition to completing a sales internship. Contact Professor DiPietro for detailed requirements.
Sales Lab
The School of Business’ Sales Lab provides students with the training they need to be successful in real-world sales situations. With a two-way mirror, role-play rooms, and recording capabilities, students can get feedback on their sales pitches or presentation skills. This space is part of the reason La 91ֱ’s Center for Sales Excellence has earned the distinction of being named among the “Top Universities for Professional Sales Education in 2019” by the Sales Education Foundation.
Sales Competitions
Every student in our sales curriculum competes in an internal sales competition. In addition, students earning the sales certificate compete against other universities in various local and regional sales competitions where our students have been placed in social media selling, speed selling and sales role-plays.
Our internal competition has in excess of 75 students competing each semester and we have over 20 students vying for a spot to represent La 91ֱ in the external competitions.
Employers are assured that our students are well-prepared through our vigorous training and real-life environment they are exposed to and will hit the ground running when they begin their professional sales career.
Research Opportunities
The CSE hosts several research capabilities to help you manage your sales teams. The Center provides current research with critical insights to support strategic planning in salesforce management and training. We publish research across a variety of topics associated with sales organizations offering a fresh approach and perspective on contemporary sales issues. Contact Dr. Swee-Lim Chia for further information.
Current Sponsors
How to support the CSE
By sponsoring the Center for Sales Excellence at 91ֱ, your company is partnering in the education process of future sales professionals. Your support allows direct access to various opportunities to engage with students in sales competitions, classroom presentations, and mentoring and internships.
Sponsoring companies partner with our CSE to train students, gain access to the “best fit” individuals for internships and full-time employment. Our Sales Advisory Board members review best practices in sales training and technology and help craft the vision for developing our sales curriculum.
Sponsorship opportunities are available with different benefits from Platinum Explorers ($20,000), Gold Explorers ($10,000), Silver Explorer ($5,000), to Bronze Explorer ($2,500). Sponsorships are from June 1 to May 31, with a minimum two-year commitment. The number of Platinum Explorers are limited to no more than three.
Top-level sponsorship benefits range from having your company name and information used in sales class activities to company-named awards to the top two professional selling students to having your company showcased in our twice a year CSE Sales Championship. Other benefits include placement of interns, class presentations to sales students each semester, seats on the CSE Advisory Board, and recognition on the CSE website.
For more information, please contact Professor Mike DiPietro, Director, Center for Sales Excellence at 91ֱ, at dipietrom@lasalle.edu or 215.630.8526.