Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business

Campus-wide Sales Club agenda features networking, development

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Two new course offerings and a Sales Club whose calendar is loaded with development opportunities are clear signs the College of Business’ Sales Innovation Program is in full gear for the 2019-2020 academic year.

Sales Club leadership team
The Sales Club leadership team answered questions at its organizational meeting.

The Sales Innovation Program is one of eight Signature Programs in Dean Wendy York’s strategic plan that will leverage the strengths of the College of Business’ traditional majors. The resulting core competencies, she said, will differentiate Clemson business education from its higher-education counterparts.

“We have more than 40 students enrolled in the Sales Innovation Program’s two new course offerings – applied selling and medical devices,” said Ryan Mullins, associate professor of marketing who is leading the program. “And the program’s Clemson Professional Sales Club, which was launched last spring, is on track to provide a variety of development opportunities to students of any major on campus who choose to join the club.”

The Sales Club was made possible by a generous gift from Dan ’72 and Nancy Garrison, who in February committed $2.5 million to the College of Business building currently under construction, and to establish the Sales Innovation Program at Clemson. In addition to funding for additional resources and a state-of-the-art sales lab in the new building, it will provide development opportunities, like the Sales Club, for students seeking careers in sales.

The student-led club will have an organizational meeting Sept. 10, at 6:30 p.m. in Sirrine 382. A series of development workshops are scheduled every other Tuesday at 6:30 p.m., beginning with E&J Gallo Winery on Sept. 24.

“The organizational meeting on September 10th is really important for students to attend,” said Alexis Hale, who along with Bailey Whetter founded the club last spring. “We’ll be discussing what being a member means and its benefits to students, as well as give members a sense for what lies ahead this semester and beyond.”

The development workshops every other Tuesday will feature a variety of employers that have formed partnerships with the Sales Innovation Program. All leaders in their industries, the diverse group of participating businesses range from technology, consumer package goods and financial services, to construction, research services and custom clothing.

The industry partners include Synnex, John Hancock Investments, E&J Gallo Winery, Ram Tool Construction Supply, Gartner, Lenovo and Tom James Company.

“The workshops with these industry leaders will be very interactive,” Alexis said. “Students are going to learn sales skills from successful professionals, but there will also be networking and team competitions as part of these workshops.”

Two of the club’s other major events this semester will feature additional networking opportunities for students.

An alumni tailgate on Friday, Oct. 25, will precede the Tigers’ homecoming game against Boston College. The Sirrine Hall courtyard event will give students the opportunity to build relationships with alumni in sales careers.

On Nov. 19, the club is planning a Networking Night, which will be attended by all the Sales Innovation Program’s business partners. The mini-career fair at the Madren Center will give students access to the companies’ sales professionals. And, a sales simulation competition will provide attendees with an opportunity to showcase their sales skills.

“Clemson’s extensive alumni network and access to industry professionals are advantages that differentiate an education here from other universities,” Alexis added. “Having access to industry professionals, some of them alumni, can often times get your foot in the door of an organization.”

Other members of the club’s leadership team include, Madison Hartsock, Taylor Rabon, Connor Butterfield and Connor Davis.

For more information on the Clemson Professional Sales Club, go to Clemson Sales Innovation Program, email salesclub@clemson.edu. Students who are interested in joining, click here to fill out a membership form.

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