Duquesne is one of only two universities in the state to be named to the Sales Education Foundation’s 2015 Top Universities for Professional Sales Education list.  On the list since 2013, Duquesne is again among the universities recognized for preparing students for careers in professional selling and helping to elevate the sales profession.

“Duquesne is bringing value to the marketplace and to our students,” said Dr. Dorene Ciletti, assistant professor of marketing in the Palumbo-Donahue School of Business.  “Research has found that sales representatives hired from sales education programs hit break-even 30 percent faster and outperform non-sales education program counterparts after the first year.  Recognition such as this increases awareness of our sales program in the marketplace, which can lead to increased career opportunities.”

Less than 3 percent of four-year colleges and universities in North America offer verified sales programs, said Dr. Dean McFarlin.  “Despite burgeoning demand for professional sales employees, fewer than 100 verified sales programs are found in North American colleges and universities,” McFarlin said.  “This definitely gives our sales students an edge in the job market.”