Local sales consultancy celebrated at national awards
With the latest edition of the NTU Student Sales Academy (SSA) now complete, we take a moment to reflect on the considerable contribution Mansfield-based specialist sales consultancy, Brindis, have made to the development of the pioneering initiative.
This partnership was recognised on Thursday 23 March, when Brindis were awarded the AGCAS Award For Excellence In Careers And Employability Service Engagement at the targetjobs UK National Graduate Recruitment Awards 2023.
Background
Co-designed to address a gap in the market, the SSA was established following analysis of current labour market intelligence.
Whilst sales is briefly introduced within the broader business, management and marketing fields of study, there’s currently no sales-related university degree available in England.
Brindis worked with NTU Employability to create a framework for the pioneering initiative and aided the delivery of sessions within the programme. Pre-empting challenges, the business also took on two NTU interns to consider the student perspective when ideating the SSA, highlighting their focus on meeting the needs of the programmes’ consumers. As such, ensuring the content was relevant for all.
The collaboration resulted in the design of an employer-led career development and learning programme that:
- de-mystifies sales and the stereotypes of a salesperson – noted as a common challenge by students,
- raises awareness of sales-related roles, the skills required and the employers who recruit to those roles,
- teaches practical sales skills and techniques,
- links employers with industry-ready talent.
In the pilot edition of the scheme, 234 students from across all NTU academic schools took part:
It was a fantastic opportunity aiding my professional development, enhancing not only my knowledge around sales, but understanding how sales skills are transferable to any profession. I developed key skills such as resilience, active listening, rapport building and confidence. All of which are highly sought-after soft skills required to be successful in the modern workplace.
(Business Management and Human Resource student, 2021)
The 3-week course provided me with practical sales techniques and a deeper understanding of the customer experience. We heard fantastic advice from real professionals during webinars and workshops that were geared to demystify the sales process.
My biggest takeaway was from the final session in which Fred Copestake explained how to create a Personal Pitch (a succinct introduction to yourself) which acts a great confidence booster during interviews.
(MSc Digital Marketing Student, 2021)
The delivery of the first programme took place in November-December 2021, featuring 13 additional employers. Primarily from the local area, collaboration of this nature emphasises the University’s commitment to supporting graduate upskilling and employment in the region.
Brindis maintains a key role in the framework improvement, and participation in the SSA series in 2023.
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The NTU Employability Service was also named as a finalist in the Outstanding University Partnership with an Employer and/or Supplier category, as part of the Institute of Student Employers (ISE) Awards 2023. Specifically this is in recognition of the Student Sales Academy, which would not have been possible without the commitment from Fred Copestake and the Brindis team.
If your organisation is interested in being part of future editions of the SSA, please contact valentina.corrao@ntu.ac.uk.