Driving success, one sale at a time
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.
Learn About the Center
Hear from our partners
Academic Offerings
B.S. in marketing, 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.
Flexible course options allow you to tailor your studies to your interests and career goals. Graduates are prepared for careers in marketing management, advertising, sales, research, public relations, retail and more.
Undergraduate Courses
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.
The Professional Selling Team at VCU
The Professional Selling Team at VCU gives students hands-on experience in sales. The team competes in sales competitions at VCU and across the United States, focusing on developing professional sales skills, fostering teamwork and enhancing personal and career growth.
The mission is to create an environment where students can learn, collaborate and compete in sales while representing Virginia Commonwealth University with integrity and professionalism. Through dedication, innovation and mutual support, the team strives to cultivate future leaders in sales, promote excellence and contribute to the success of members and the business community.
Open to all majors, join us to connect with industry leaders, participate in transformative events and foster personal and professional growth.