Inaugural Reverse Sales Talent Showcase gives Parker College of Business students unique perspective on career fairs
Instead of walking from table to table hoping to catch the attention of a potential employer, 91ÁÔĆć’s Center for Sales Excellence (CSE) offered students the chance to pitch themselves as a potential employee to hiring companies during the inaugural Reverse Sales Talent Showcase.
Partnering with the Pi Sigma Epsilon (PSE) chapter inspired the CSE to take a different approach to career readiness during the University’s annual .
“In years past, the Center for Sales Excellence would host a traditional career fair, and it was fine; everyone seemed to enjoy it,” said D. Travis Brickey, senior lecturer of marketing and executive director of the CSE. “The only issue, it would be the fourth career fair hosted on campus in a three-day period, which seemed redundant. This year we decided to shake things up by turning the tables, with the students presenting to the firms.”
More than 20 firms, including , , , , and , visited the personal displays of 54 Parker College of Business students. Members of PSE designed posters to market themselves to the companies, showcasing their talents, ambitions, professionalism and desire to hone their craft in professional selling.
“The opportunity to participate in the University’s first-ever Reverse Career Fair was such a unique and rewarding experience,” said Katie Smith, a senior majoring in marketing with an emphasis in sales and sales management. “We were able to showcase who we are beyond a résumé, connecting with so many incredible companies. As president of the Gamma Lambda chapter of Pi Sigma Epsilon, I was especially proud to see our members take advantage of such a great opportunity. Innovative events like these remind me how proud I am to say I’m an Eagle.”
Reversing the traditional career fair model provided students with a platform to highlight their background, enhance their networking ability, demonstrate their creative presentation skills, and refine their professionalism. The students were encouraged to develop an elevator pitch, learning to develop a concise talk track when provided with a brief opportunity to sell themselves to a company executive in 60 seconds or less.
“Many students find large career fairs overwhelming, making it difficult to hold meaningful conversations with the employers,” Brickey said. “In this approach, the company interacts with the student in a one-on-one format, which is less intimidating and more productive for all. Everyone seemed to enjoy the change in pace.”
The CSE uses a holistic approach to sales education where it is vital for students to learn from and engage with current sales practitioners. The relationships formed at events, such as the Reverse Sales Talent Showcase, are invaluable to student development.
“The Reverse Career Fair challenged me to put myself and my experiences at the forefront,” said Jonathan Foreman, a junior majoring in marketing with an emphasis in sales and sales management. “It was a fantastic opportunity to step outside the traditional career fair format and take ownership of my own personal brand. It was a great experience putting my communication skills into practice and connecting directly with employers.”
The Fall Reverse Sales Talent Showcase would not be possible without the support of the Sales Center’s corporate partners. Partners in attendance included , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , and .
About the Center for Sales Excellence
Located within 91ÁÔĆć’s Parker College of Business, the CSE is recognized by the University Sales Alliance as one of the nation’s top sales programs. Established in 2007, the mission of the Center is to have a positive impact on the sales profession through education, research and service. The B.B.A. in Marketing offers students an emphasis in Sales and Sales Management.
Through the Center, students gain experience with sales role-play in our dedicated labs, with many going on to compete in some of the nation’s most prestigious sales competitions. The Center also works to bring students together with companies in the industry looking to hire the best and brightest minds. It is the goal of the Center to be the preeminent sales program in the nation.