UT COBI's Schmidt School of Professional Sales named a top program by Sales Education Foundation

The Edward H. Schmidt School of Professional Sales (ESSPS) in The University of Toledo College of Business and Innovation has been recognized by the Sales Education Foundation (SEF) in their "Top Universities for Professional Sales Education” program. These university programs are recognized for preparing students for careers in professional selling and helping to elevate the sales profession.

Established in 2007, the SEF works with multiple universities to provide grants, assist sales faculty, provide and/or promote educational opportunities and recognize quality research and dissemination.

ESSPS was formed in 2000 and endowed in 2002 as the first professional sales major in the country from an Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accredited college of business administration.

"Everyone plays a critical role to ensure the sustainability and success of our top ranked program. We have accomplished a great deal to launch and propel our professional sales program," noted Deirdre Jones, Director. "We embrace our commitment to developing the world’s future sales professionals…one student at a time.  We strive to continually set the bar high in terms of learning, discovery, and outreach."

"Students with a sales education ramp up 50% faster and turnover 30% less than their non-sales educated peers," Jones added. "Furthermore, we are very proud of the fact that 100% of ESSPS students seeking employment upon graduation have jobs, and, in fact, many of our students have multiple job offers."

Sally Stevens, Executive Director of the Sales Education Foundation, noted that companies should have an increased focus on partnering with university sales programs. “Top sales organizations should consider developing partnerships with these programs who are educating the next generation of professional sales people.”

For more information about the Edward H. Schmidt School of Professional Sales, visit utoledo.edu/essps.

For more information about the Sales Education Foundation, visit salesfoundation.org.