HAMMOND — Purdue University Northwest students will be able to hone their sales skills with real-world tools and technology thanks to the White Lodging Professional Sales Lab on the college’s Hammond campus.
Claudia Mich, associate professor of marketing and director of the professional selling program at PNW, said the new sales lab expands and enhances students’ educational experiences.
“We went from one sales class to a full sales minor,” said Mich. “We also went from recording students’ ‘role-play’ scenarios on cell phones in makeshift offices, to a state-of-the-art facility; and from one instructor, to a team of collaborators working together on instruction, career placement and outside partnerships.”
Housed within the hospitality and tourism management building, the lab features high-tech classrooms and six practice office suites for role-playing and interviewing. Offices will be used for teaching, group activities and events connecting corporate partners with students.
Built on principles of personal integrity, relationship-building and professionalism, PNW’s professional selling program within the college of business provides students with the techniques and practice to sell a variety of product and services, such as shipping services, customer relationship management software, or pharmaceutical products.
In partnership with College of Business’ Center for Career Management, corporate partners will use the sales labs practice suites to interview students for internships and jobs, allowing additional interactions for students with the Northwest Indiana business community.
