About This Program
Are you a self-starter who thrives in fast-paced, people-oriented environments? Do you enjoy setting and exceeding ambitious goals? Are you passionate about helping customers find the right solutions for their business needs? If so, the Professional Sales major may be a great fit for you.
This major prepares you to build long-term customer relationships and drive revenue growth by becoming an effective communicator, strategic thinker, and problem solver.
Program Highlights
- Participate in mock sales roleplays, collegiate sales competitions, and Sales Club activities
- Learn to leverage customer relationship management (CRM) systems and data to understand customer needs and drive buying decisions
- Build strong communication, presentation, and analytical skills
- Engage with the Professional Sales Program Advisory Council, composed of company executives, alumni, faculty, and staff who help shape the program’s success
- Receive coaching and mentorship from the director of the Professional Sales Program, who works closely with you and industry partners
Research & Experiential Learning
- Sales Club (50+ members) organizes networking events, professional development activities, and LSBE’s annual Sales Summit, featuring 20 companies and over 300 students
- Work closely with the Sales Program Director who serves as instructor, coach, and advisor
- Network with professionals through Company Days and industry guest speakers
- Gain soft skills through LSBE’s Passport Program
- Access additional LSBE student business clubs open to all majors
- Compete in high-profile regional and national sales competitions, including:
- Northwoods Sales Warm-Up
- International Collegiate Sales Competition (ICSC)
- Twin Cities Sales Team Competition
- Bulldog-Gopher Sales Challenge
- Northwestern Mutual Elevator Pitch Competition
Student Internships
LSBE’s in-house internship program is led by a dedicated director who coordinates over 200 internships annually. The director works closely with students and employers to maximize the value of each internship experience.
Professional Sales students regularly intern at organizations such as: 3M, Cintas, Google, Hormel, Fastenal, Land O’Lakes, Minnesota Vikings, Target, UnitedHealth Group, Sherwin-Williams, Taylor Corporation, SPS Commerce, and more—including local and remote opportunities during the school year.
Potential Careers
- Inside sales & outside territory sales
- Key account management
- Sales consultant
- Business development representative
- Customer success manager
Scholarships
LSBE awards more than 150 scholarships each year across all business majors.
Get Involved
- UMD Sales Club
- AMA (American Marketing Association)
- Accounting Club
- Finance Club
- Investment Club
- MIS/BA Club
- MGD (Marketing and Graphic Design) Club
- Economics Club
- SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management)
- Student Health Care Management Association (SHMA)
- Duluth Women in Business
- Entrepreneurship Club
- UMD Analytics Club
- Management Club
Requirements
Refer to the link below for more detailed information about the program, admission requirements, sample plans, and contact information.