Learn More About the VCU Center for Professional Selling
Our mission is to be the central Virginia academic incubator for developing professional sales talent. Our vision is to drive academic and workplace performance through the power of educating in selling professionalism.
About the Center
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Course Offerings
B.S. Marketing, with a concentration in general marketing
The major in marketing gives students a broad working knowledge of contemporary marketing philosophy and practice. The general marketing concentration provides students an understanding of the processes of creating and communicating value for customers, clients and society at large.
Judicious selection of courses will also allow students to tailor their program of study to their individual backgrounds, interests and career aspirations. The courses in the major provide a mix of educational approaches, including lecture and discussion, case problems, and in-field experience. Graduates of this program will find career opportunities in marketing management, advertising, sales, marketing research, public relations, retailing and other areas of business.
Minor in Sales
THE MINOR IN SALES IS OPEN TO ALL STUDENTS!
The sales minor requires 18 credits and equips marketing and non-marketing majors with the skills needed to succeed in personal selling, sales management or any career requiring persuasion or influence, including roles in industry, nonprofits and government.
Students learn to effectively communicate the value of a product, service or idea, build mutually beneficial professional relationships, create win-win outcomes and interact confidently face-to-face. Many executives and organizational leaders began their careers in sales, advancing through the strategic use of sales skills.
Undergraduate Courses Offerings
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits.
Enrollment is open to students who have completed at least 26 credit hours (sophomore standing).
This course explores the fundamentals of selling and persuasion, essential not only in business but also in everyday life. Whether presenting an idea, product, service or point of view, effective persuasion is a vital skill.
Students will learn core selling techniques and strategies, with an emphasis on their application in a business environment. The concepts covered will also enhance interpersonal communication skills, offering value beyond professional contexts.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits.
Prerequisite: MKTG 335
Enrollment is open to students who have completed at least 54 credit hours (junior standing).
This course emphasizes the practical application and refinement of advanced selling skills. Students engage in role-play competitions and gain hands-on experience selling real products, services, or ideas for collaborating organizations, including both profit and nonprofit entities. Additionally, the course develops expertise in account management and explores the use of emerging sales technologies and analytics.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits.
Prerequisite: MKTG 301 or MKTG 335
Enrollment is open to students who have completed at least 54 credit hours (junior standing).
Organizations now have access to vast amounts of data that, when used effectively, can generate actionable insights for both sales teams and their clients. Today’s sales leaders must enhance their ability to leverage data, tools and domain expertise to provide customized insights, consulting and guidance to strategic customers.
This course examines the tools and technologies that enable data-driven decision-making. By asking the right questions and using the appropriate tools, sales representatives and managers learn to create value for clients, increasing customer satisfaction and fostering long-term retention.
Semester course; 3 field experience hours. 3 credits.
Enrollment is open to degree-seeking students who have completed at least 54 credit hours (junior standing) and have a minimum GPA of 2.5.
This course provides a structured framework for students to document their internship and course-related learning experiences in a personal e-portfolio for career management.
The applied learning experience includes a short-term placement within a firm, where the organization defines the student’s internship responsibilities.
Pi Sigma Epsilon
Pi Sigma Epsilon (PSE) is the top co-ed professional fraternity at VCU, open to all majors. PSE offers members opportunities to gain hands-on experience through experiential learning, engage with guest speakers who are established professionals, participate in regional and national conferences and connect with a community of like-minded peers.
Joining Pi Sigma Epsilon is more than becoming part of another campus club. As a chapter, you’ll collaborate on professional-grade projects, attend national events, compete for 20+ awards, connect with recruiters nationwide and create lifelong memories along the way.
PSE not only strengthens your resume and professional skills but also fosters lasting friendships and plenty of fun throughout the journey.
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- Participate in weekly chapter meetings featuring speakers, workshops, group activities and fun
- Gain leadership opportunities within your group
- Bring your ideas to life with the support of your chapter
- Plan and execute projects both on and off campus
- Collaborate with local companies to gain hands-on experience in all aspects of business
- Build an online presence that gets you noticed
- Travel to competitions and professional development events with members nationwide
- Attend career fairs with confidence
- Become the #preferredchoice for employers offering internships and full-time positions
- Bond with chapter members through social activities
- Interview for scholarships exclusive to PSE members
- Build a network of peers and employers
- Have a lot of fun!