At Idaho State University, the ISU Sales Association provides students with hands-on opportunities to develop professional selling skills, expand their networks, and prepare for successful careers across industries. Open to students from all majors, the club focuses on professional development, experiential learning, and real-world business connections that extend beyond the classroom.
The Sales Association works closely with the College of Business and the Walter Brown Center for Sales Excellence, a space designed to help students practice presentations, role-plays, and sales strategies in a professional environment. The center supports students pursuing the Professional Sales Certificate, which emphasizes communication, relationship building, and strategic problem solving skills essential in today’s workforce.
Throughout the semester, members participate in regular meetings featuring guest speakers, employer panels, and interactive workshops. These sessions allow students to learn directly from industry professionals while practicing skills such as pitching, objection handling, and relationship selling. The club also prepares students for career fairs, internships, and competitive sales events.
One of the highlights of involvement in the ISU Sales Association is participation in regional and national sales competitions. ISU students recently earned first place at the Blue Turf Sales Competition, demonstrating the program’s growing reputation and the strength of its student preparation. Richard Barnes also represented ISU with distinction by winning first place at the Pacific Northwest Sales Contest.
These competitions give members the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to realistic business scenarios while networking with recruiters and companies seeking emerging sales talent.
Beyond competitions, the club hosts networking events, professional headshot sessions, and collaborative activities that help students build confidence and community. Members gain practical experience while forming meaningful connections with peers who share career goals and ambitions.
“Sales is really about high-level communication and relationship building. Whether in a B2C or B2B environment, it always comes down to human-to-human connection,” said Rick Barnes, President of the ISU Sales Association and a psychology major with a minor in business.
“Before coming to ISU, I had a negative perception of sales and believed salespeople were only motivated by money. Professor John Ney helped me realize that sales is really about building relationships and creating value. If I can develop an interest in sales, anyone can,” said Scott Smith, a senior finance major and Sales Association member.
“I used to think sales was only for naturally outgoing people, but I’ve learned that it’s really about understanding your product and building genuine relationships,” said Laura Mendez-Flores, Vice President of Marketing for the ISU Sales Association. “When you truly believe in what you offer, selling becomes a meaningful process of connecting with others, overcoming challenges, and continuously improving. That’s what made me discover a passion for sales.”
For students looking to grow professionally while building lasting connections, the ISU Sales Association offers an engaging and supportive environment that prepares Bengals for success after graduation.