Per Rasmussen '86 & Nina Skage '86 Professional Selling Institute
Sharpen Your Skills for Success
Welcome to the competitive world of business-to-business professional sales. What can you bring to the table?
The Professional Selling Specialization (PSS) program and the Per Rasmussen '86 and Nina Skage '86 Professional Selling Institute prepare students to meet the needs of the ever-growing business-to-business (B2B) professional selling and sales management fields. The program aims to strengthen students’ unique value to the job market as they prepare to begin their careers and further their professional development. Any St. Cloud State University student may enroll in the PSS program regardless of major.
To succeed in the field of B2B professional selling and sales management, students must be well-versed in the essential communication and leadership skills that are the foundation of a long-term career in the industry. The PSS program, featuring two state-of-the-art sales suites, provides an enriching, hands-on learning environment for students to role-play sales presentations in an interactive, real-work business setting with industry professionals. The feedback and mentoring received through the PSS program prepare students to enter the fast-paced professional selling arena with confidence and knowledge.
Students who complete the specialization will gain insight and experience in five key areas:
- Professional Selling Theory and Skills Development
- Professional Selling Practicum & Shadowing
- Sales Management Practicum & Shadowing
- Global Marketing & Culture in Professional Selling
- Social Media & Technology in Professional Selling
The Per Rasmussen '86 and Nina Skage '86 Professional Selling Institute offers students across majors and disciplines tremendous value in terms of networking, skill-building, internships and career opportunities. The Professional Selling Institute and the Professional Selling Specialization provide students with a practical, adaptable skill-set that can be utilized both personally and professionally, in virtually any career path.
Director
Professor Dave Titus serves as the Director of the Per Rasmussen ’86 and Nina Skage ’86 Professional Selling Institute at St. Cloud State University. Since the launch of the Professional Selling Specialization program in 2014, he has been instrumental in its development and continued success.
With a strong background in industry and a wide network of professional relationships, Prof. Titus brings valuable real-world insight to the classroom. He works closely with students to prepare them for both on-campus and international sales competitions, helping them build the skills and confidence needed to excel in competitive and professional environments.
For more information about the Professional Selling Institute, the Professional Selling Specialization, or how to partner with the HBS to support the program, please contact profselling@stcloudstate.edu.
courses (15 credits) are required to obtain the specialization, which can be counted toward elective requirements for most majors/minors.
Courses are taught by the Herberger Business School’s award-winning, experienced faculty, with participation from area business professionals from over 50 corporate partners.
Program Highlights
- The endowed Per Rasmussen ’86 and Nina Skage ’86 Professional Selling Institute facilitates new student scholarships, faculty research on B2B sales and PSS events, including sales competitions and career fairs, the PSS Student Leadership Program, and multiple Sales Speakers’ Bureaus.
- The Per Rasmussen '86 and Nina Skage '86 Professional Selling Institute is an Associate Member of the University Sales Center Alliance (USCA)
- Students have access to the Northwestern Mutual Sales Lab and the Per Rasmussen '86 and Nina Skage '86 Professional Selling Suite, state-of-the-art, real-time learning facilities.
- Experiential learning through professional selling and sales management shadowing opportunities.
- PSS students have the opportunity to compete in the Professional Selling Competition, held each fall and spring term. Participants receive feedback, evaluations, and mentoring from area sales professionals.
- The PSS program is recognized by the Sales Education Foundation (SEF) as one of the Top North American Sales Schools.
- The professional selling student sales team earned top honors at the 2023 International Collegiate Sales Competition in Florida, competing against 80 universities worldwide. The team secured 1st place in sales management and 2nd place overall.
- The Herberger Business School has been accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) at the bachelor’s and master’s degree levels for more than 45 years.
Top Careers
- Manufacturer/wholesale representative
- sales account executive
- sales specialist
- customer support specialist
- CRM specialist
- inside sales specialist
- outside sales specialist
- sales manager
Learn More
Prepare for success in your professional business to business sales career.
Visit the SCSU Admissions Department online to request more information about the PSS program. Ready to apply? Begin your online application today!
