WMU sales program ranked among top programs 18 times in a row
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University’s sales and business marketing program has once again earned a place on the Sales Education Foundation’s list of top sales programs in North America. This is the 18th consecutive year that WMU has been included on the list, which highlights universities and colleges that provide students a professional sales education, enabling them to perform at the highest level in their careers.
The strength of the Western sales and business marketing program lies in its commitment to Experience-Driven Learning, giving students relevant sales scenarios that sharpen their skills.
“The consistent high standard of our curriculum and student success is a direct result of our excellent faculty and support from our alumni and industry partners,” says Dr. Kelley O’Reilly, chair of the Department of Marketing. “The sales and business marketing program is a powerhouse major that continues to deliver amazing outcomes for our students.”
With resources like the Robert S. Kaiser Sales, Negotiation and Leadership Lab, access to nationwide sales competitions and talented faculty who are committed to student success, it’s no surprise that the WMU program ranks highly among its peers. According to the WMU 2023-24 Career Outcomes Report, the sales and business marketing program boasts some of the highest levels of professional preparation and satisfaction within WMU:
- 97% of sales and business marketing graduates are working or continuing their education quickly after earning their degree.
- 100% of sales and business marketing graduates had instructors who made them excited about learning.
- 100% of sales and business marketing graduates felt their education and experiences as a student at WMU prepared them for their profession.
“Selling the Western Way is the real deal,” says Dr. James Eckert, associate professor of marketing and Robert S. Kaiser professor of sales. “For more than 20 years our program has developed top-tier salespeople and great human beings. They know how to communicate, get things done, and treat other people with respect and honesty. It’s both simple and very powerful. This recognition by the Sales Education Foundation once again confirms that others recognize the quality of our program and the caliber of our graduates.”
Program highlights
Robert S. Kaiser Sales, Negotiation and Leadership Lab: This state-of-the-art lab allows students to practice role-plays, watch recordings of their performances and interact with professionals in the field. The technology allows faculty to share best practice examples and pinpoint areas for improvement.
Sales competitions: The WMU sales and business marketing program is a formidable competitor in national sales competitions. WMU student teams placed first at both the National Sales Challenge and the Arizona Collegiate Sales Competition during the past academic year.
Sales and Business Marketing Association: With dozens of industry presenters and hundreds of student participants, the Sales and Business Marketing Association is one of the most powerful places for students to connect with professionals for career advice, information on emerging trends, and internship and job opportunities.
Learn more about the sales and business marketing program at WMU.
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