BEYOND THE BUSINESS MAJOR

Since July, the College of Business has announced several exciting new S initiatives. Two major new programs are centered around teaching sales and financial literacy. In September, Dean Dr. Shane Hunt announced the launch of a sales certificate program and the Bengal Sales Challenge at the first Professional Selling Series speaker event. “Sales is at the heart of modern business,” said Hunt. “We are thrilled to provide our new Professional Sales Certificate to students from every major on campus. Understanding and using the aspects of sales in order to improve for-profit business, not-for-profit organizations and students’ career prospects is a critical educational activity that will benefit students for years to come.”

The new sales program will continue to feature the Professional Selling Series, in which a panel of alumni speakers from business, pharmacy, healthcare and engineering backgrounds will discuss how sales has been incorporated into their careers.

Additionally, the College will launch the financial literacy program in Fall 2021, which includes a financial literacy talk show hosted on KISU-FM. The show will begin covering financial literacy topics and featuring financial speakers from around the region. After the show airs, it will be available in podcast format across multiple platforms.

“Helping people develop financial literacy and preparing them to manage their finances has the ability to positively impact generations of our citizens,” Hunt said. “I think this will provide a tremendous benefit to students across the Idaho State campus from all majors and people throughout our community.”

Both the sales and financial literacy programs will include a nine-credit certificate obtainable by any student in the University, regardless of major.

Each program will also feature opportunities for scholarships. Within the financial literacy program, scholarships will be available to students who have completed the first two courses of the program and are pursuing the certificate. The Inaugural Bengal Sales Challenge, launching in April, will pose an opportunity for scholarships as well. “This competition is open to every Idaho State student,” said Hunt. “[The challenge] will provide students the opportunity to demonstrate their selling skills, get individual feedback from industry experts and compete for thousands of dollars in scholarships.” Through each program, Hunt hopes to expand career opportunities for students outside of the College of Business and instill in them a responsible understanding of their personal finances as they enter into their careers.