About the Center
Because of their vital role in business, professional salespeople are often among a company's best-paid employees. In fact, more people make $100k+ in sales than any other profession in the United States. These positions also lead to advancement in upper management in many Fortune 500 companies. The knowledge, expertise, and experience of sales is essential for most CEO's to lead their corporations. In today's competitive business environment, sales training is essential.
At the Center for Sales Leadership and Education, we create opportunities for University of Minnesota students to further their sales education, develop practical skills, provide applied business experience, and create sales leaders through education, partnerships, and research. In addition, we advance the sales profession at large through academic education, outreach, partnerships, and impactful research.
Meet the team
Michael Oster
Director of the Center for Sales Leadership and Education
Over the past twenty years, I have been involved in sales: directly, and also indirectly—training students and colleagues in ways to create opportunities for customers and themselves. From an educator to an entry level sales representative to the director of a successful sales team, I have been able to gain valuable experience that I am now proud to share with University of Minnesota students.
As the Director of the CSLE, my main goal and commitment is to continue to be an advocate and mentor for students and to further the idea that the sales profession can be lifted and can create a space for these students to thrive. I also have a charter that brings these students and our member companies together to provide opportunities for both parties to experience the growth and experience we try to create here at CSLE.
We are growing! With that growth, the student executive team and I have committed to refining this charter and continue to reshape and bring excitement to the place the U of M calls home to sales.
From left to right in photo: Kira Kuebelbeck (Marketing Team), Grace Hughes (President), Morgan Hoernke (Marketing Team), Lauren Murray (Marketing Team).
Student Executive Team
Grace Hughes, President, is in her senior year at the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Finance and a Sales Certificate. As president, her efforts mainly focus on the facilitation of meetings/events, communication with sales team members, and attending events as a representative of CSLE and the Travelling Sales Team.
The marketing team, comprised of Kira Kuebelbeck (Senior), Morgan Hoernke (Sophomore), and Lauren Murray (Senior), collaborate to manage the organization's of CSLE social media presence and help to develop engaging membership events. Their efforts focus on reaching prospective students interested in sales, fostering connections with partners, and promoting opportunities available through the program through various marketing initiatives.
Join our team
The UMN Collegiate Sales Team is a passionate, driven group of students dedicated to mastering the art of sales and advancing careers in this dynamic field. Our team is composed of individuals from diverse backgrounds and disciplines, all united by a common goal: to excel in sales and business development.
Our mission is to provide any students interested in the sales industry with hands-on experience, practical knowledge, and valuable networking opportunities in the sales industry. We strive to cultivate future sales leaders who are not only skilled in
selling but also embody integrity, empathy, and professionalism.
What we do
- Sales Training Workshops: Regular workshops conducted by industry experts to enhance our sales techniques and strategies.
- Competitions: Participation in national and regional sales competitions, providing real-world selling experience and the chance to showcase our skills.
- Networking Events: Opportunities to connect with professionals, alumni, and recruiters from top companies in the sales industry.
- Guest Speakers: Insights and advice from successful sales professionals and business leaders who share their experiences and knowledge.
- Career Development: Support in resume building, interview preparation, and job placement to help our members launch their careers.
Get involved
Are you ready to take your sales skills to the next level? Join the Sales Team today! Whether you're a seasoned sales enthusiast or just starting out, we welcome all students who are eager to learn and grow. To learn more about our team and upcoming events, or to apply for membership, please contact Michael Oster at oster389@umn.edu and follow us on our social media (links below).
Collegiate sales competitions provide an excellent opportunity for students who are interested in pursuing a career in professional sales to develop their communication and presentation skills in a highly competitive environment. These events also enable students to network with recruiters and peers from across North America.
External competitions give students an opportunity to apply classroom theory in a real-world selling scenario. This competitive aspect of our program is a critical part of the total learning experience and coincides with our teaching mission.
Within the competition, students engage in role-plays with business executives. This role play is evaluated and scored on various aspects of the sales call - including approach, overall communication effectiveness, the ability to gather information, identify needs, provide information, present solutions, resolve concerns, and gain commitment. The Gopher Sales Team will practice in the sales labs at CSLE. They will be coached by the University of Minnesota faculty and executives of our corporate partners.
Contact Micheal Oster, CSLE Director, to get involved: oster398@umn.edu
Note from the Director:
The Center for Sales Leadership and Education (CSLE) would like to welcome you to the sixth annual Twin Cities Collegiate Sales Team Championship (TCCSTC) hosted by the University of Minnesota. We hope that our teams and student competitors enjoy this year's hybrid format as a chance to meet new students, build connections, practice their sales skills, and expand their professional networks. I want to begin by thanking the coaches of the participating universities who put their faith in us by attending this event each year.
Over the course of the TCCSTC, nearly 100 student-competitors will get the opportunity to experience a realistic call-in session, two independent pitches, and a one-of-a-kind group presentation before a panel of role play executives, totaling four rounds of competition in pursuit of the coveted Team Championship trophy. Students will also be invited to attend a highly interactive career expo with a variety of distinguished employers.
Overview
- Each university will bring 4 students to compete
- All students will be guaranteed 2 role play experiences on Wednesday and Thursday
- In each round, the team score will be comprised of the top 3 individual scores out of 4
- Individual scores will be the student's average score from the judges
- The competition will consist of 2 guaranteed role plays with each building off of the previous round
- The 4 universities with the highest cumulative scores from Rounds 1 & 2 will advance to the final round (Round 3)
Earn a Sales Certificate
In today's competitive marketplace, sales skills are more crucial than ever. A sales certificate can help you stand out by showcasing your expertise and dedication to the field. Whether you're starting a career in sales, looking to advance, or transitioning from another field, earning a sales certificate equips you with the tools and strategies needed to succeed.
This certificate provides students with unique experiences in sales education while developing practical skills for sales training. The sales certificate curriculum embodies an important focus on education and human development as students learn and apply critical models for sales education and training, including focus on peer-to-peer instruction for the sales cycle. Students in this program learn applications for teaching sales topics to a sales organization, and how to identify growth opportunities for further sales training.
Become a sponsor
The Center for Sales Leadership + Education would not exist without our corporate partners' generous support. Our partners receive direct access to highly-qualified students early on in their university experience, providing an advanced opportunity to
identify and recruit students that best fit their hiring needs and company culture. Other benefits include opportunities to:
- Build your brand around campus
- Reduce recruiting, training, and turnover costs
- Access networking opportunities with students
- Make a positive difference in the lives of the next generation of sales professionals who may one day make significant contributions to your company
For information on establishing a partnership with us, contact Michael Oster: oster398@umn.edu
Connect with us
Our newsletter goes out 3-4 times per year.
Thank you to our sponsors!
