Sixty-nine University of Nebraska–Lincoln students have earned undergraduate certificates in sales excellence and were honored at an April 17 luncheon hosted by the Center for Sales Excellence.
The students completed 15 credit hours of sales coursework that sharpened communication and relationship-building skills. Twelve of the students took another three credit hours to earn an advanced certificate.
“It is not an easy path, and these students should be proud of what they accomplished,” said Chad Mardesen, interim director of the Center for Sales Excellence and associate professor of practice in marketing. “Many of them competed in sales competitions at Nebraska and on the national stage, joined organizations like the Sales Club and took advantage of opportunities beyond the classroom. Now they can help show other students what is possible through the program.”
Open to all majors, the program draws students from across the university.
“We take great pride in the fact that the center works with students of any major at the university, because we all sell something,” said Kathy Farrell, James Jr. and Susan Stuart Endowed Dean and professor of finance in the College of Business. “Whether it’s selling our skills to a future employer, selling in our jobs or simply selling our ideas to others, sales skills are valuable. These students have a competitive edge in the job market.”
State-of-the-art technology within role-play rooms in the Center for Sales Excellence allows students to practice pitching and receive real-time feedback on their techniques, honing communication and selling capabilities. Students build confidence through role-playing and other hands-on experiences, including selling real products, sponsorships and experiences.
“Each of our classes gives students hands-on learning experiences that help them build confidence and prepare for what they’ll do after graduation,” Mardesen said. “Students practice through role-plays, sales projects, competitions, networking and other real-world experiences. They also get access to the same sales technology and tools they will use in their careers.”
“Companies recruit here because they know our students have the skills to succeed, and many of these students start in the program when they are sophomores, giving them time to fully engage in internships, competitions and networking.”
This is the largest group of certificate earners in the program’s history, including the largest number of students who pursued the advanced certificate. The advanced certificate includes a discussion-based class and hands-on project selling corporate partnerships for the center.
The Center for Sales Excellence has awarded nearly 500 certificates and 130 advanced certificates since its founding in 2013, and Nebraska has been named a “Top University for Professional Sales Education” by the Sales Education Foundation each year since 2014.
“I also hope (the students) stay connected with the relationships they built here with faculty, staff, employer partners and other students,” Mardesen said. “Those connections continue to make a difference long after graduation.”
