Every type of organization needs sales professionals. With so many options, there is almost certainly a career path for everyone. Even introverts can thrive in the right sales career. We differentiate our students from other majors by focusing on communication skills training with practical knowledge about sales processes, technologies, and sales force structures.
We work hard to connect students with employers during the sales program. For example, we offer job shadowing programs and an annual extracurricular sales competition judged by industry professionals. Our two primary goals are to (1) provide our students with the skills they will need to succeed in sales and (2) help them to find a career that fits them.
Program Highlights
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Learn persuasive communications, sales tactics and sales management strategies.
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Practice hands-on skills and receive coaching to succeed in sales and sales management careers.
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Participate in sales competitions, job shadowing events, and other extracurricular opportunities. Explore the opportunities.
Careers
Check out these ideas from ODU's Center for Career & Leadership Development and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.
Sales Managers
Plan, direct, or coordinate the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor the preferences of customers.
Advertising Sales Agents
Sell or solicit advertising space, time, or media in publications, signage, TV, radio, or Internet establishments or public spaces.
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products
Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses or groups of individuals. Work requires substantial knowledge of items sold.
Requirements
After being admitted into ODU, students need admission into the B.S.B.A. in Marketing program within the Strome College of Business. Once you are admitted into the Marketing program, then you are part of the Thurmond School of Negotiations and can major in Professional Sales. To view the suggested curriculum guide for Professional Sales click the academic catalog button below.
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Students are not formally admitted into the B.S.B.A. in Marketing program until the end of the sophomore year, because completion of all prerequisites is expected. Admission to the University does not constitute automatic admission to this Marketing program. For the current prerequisites and application steps, please refer to the B.S.B.A program page in the University Undergraduate Catalog.
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To speak to someone about the admission process, please contact the marketing chief departmental advisor, Professor Michelle Carpenter.
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If you have more questions about the Professional Sales program, please feel free to contact the Chair of the Thurmond School of Professional Sales and Negotiations, Professor Aaron Arndt.
Transfer
At ODU, we understand that as a transfer student you have unique needs that require a wide array of campus resources. The Center for Advising Administration and Academic Partnerships aims to create a transfer inclusive culture that supports the successful...
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Cost
Estimated rates for the 2024-25 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.
Ways to Save
Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ODU. For more information visit University Student Financial Aid.
Transfer Articulation Agreements
To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to ODU.
Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.
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