Selling and Sales Management Major

Selling and sales management is ranked among the top sales programs in the United States, according to the Sales Education Foundation. Professional selling is one of the fastest-growing segments in business, creating a strong demand for sophisticated, professional sales experts. As one of the only dedicated sales programs at Big Ten universities, Purdue’s selling and sales management program teaches a solutions- and relationship-based method of selling, where you will use problem-solving and critical-thinking skills to help people. Upon completing the program, you’ll have a strong understanding of the business-to-business sales process, sales force management, consumer behavior and current trends in digital transformation. Additionally, the White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management provides a small professor-to-student ratio, allowing you to get individualized support when you need it.

Because the selling and sales management program is an applied business degree, you’ll have abundant hands-on learning opportunities through field experiences, sales competitions and sales-based student organizations. The Center for Professional Selling serves as an experiential learning hub for the major, offering a variety of opportunities to get real-world selling experience.

Career Opportunities

Students who majored in selling and sales management have gone on to successful careers at Eli Lilly, General Electric, the Indianapolis Colts, PepsiCo, SalesForce and more. The following are notable career paths for selling and sales management majors:

• Account manager
• Account representative
• Communications/public relations specialist
• Customer relationship manager
• E-commerce manager
• Entrepreneur, business owner
• Inside or outside sales coordinator
• Global sales manager
• Marketing director or manager
• Technical recruiter
• Sales analyst
• Sales director or manager
• Supply chain manager

Career Resources

• The Ray Kavanaugh HTM Career Center provides career planning services and coordinates more than 700 interviews each year.
• HTM Career Day brings representatives from the industry to campus each fall for a career fair, keynote address and reception for employers and students.
• The Center for Career Opportunities offers additional career fairs and assistance.

Learning Experiences

• Gain real-world experience in required internships or field experiences.
• Shadow a salesperson for a day, and role-play sales presentations in the major’s required courses.
• Engage in sales competitions with industry partners through the Center for Professional Selling.
• Join the Purdue Collegiate Sales Team and compete in elective regional and national professional selling activities. 
• Participate in research activities exploring sales methods and trends, consumer behavior, customer satisfaction, and more.
• Enhance your plan of study by completing a minor or certificate in the White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management.

View Complete List of Courses Degree Requirements