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Sales and Marketing is Everyone’s Business

July 26, 2013

The Loyalist College Business Sales and Marketing program prepares graduates to enter the workforce poised and confident, as professionals who are skilled in presenting, negotiating and marketing. 

These strengths, in addition to a solid foundation in territory and time management, make them ideal business-to-business sales people. Grads of the program work in manufacturing, distribution, and wholesale in different industry sectors such as health, technology, not-for-profit, sports, event planning, and entertainment. 

Elisha-Purchase

Elisha Purchase, Manager of Economic Development and Communications for the Municipality of Brighton, graduated from Loyalist’s Business Sales and Marketing program in 2007. She is responsible for the promotion, growth, and development of the municipality’s economic base, including retaining and expanding existing business, securing new economic opportunities, and supporting external communications. Prior to this position, she was the Economic Development Officer for the Township of Stirling-Rawdon. 

Elisha’s education prepared her for these roles. “I learned to develop sales strategies, which help me to build relationships with the private and public sector,” she said. “I graduated knowing how to create business and marketing plans and to prepare and present them with confidence. The roleplaying and public presentations component is the program’s greatest strength. Initially, the presentations intimidated me but because of the in-class, videotaped, and critiqued practice sessions, I was confident when the time came to seek employment. It was my internship which opened the door to the public sector and ultimately led to the full-time career that I continue to grow in.”

Elisha has successfully risen to her career challenges and enjoyed a wide range of experiences. “While in Stirling-Rawdon I worked with niche markets in the agricultural industry and found ways for organizations to capitalize on opportunities,” she said. “I developed great relationships with local businesses, including Stirling Creamery, Ontario Water Buffalo Company, and Bio-Essential Botanicals. They were innovative and I thoroughly enjoyed working with them to expand this sector.  Another highlight was my involvement in Stirling-Rawdon, winning the Kraft Hockeyville 2012 title – a moment I will never forget. I love working with and assisting businesses, whether they plan to start a new enterprise or grow an existing one. This could entail developing a business plan or using social media tools, as well as providing links to government funding opportunities and programs available through business and resource centres.”

A successful job search involves many of the skills taught within the Business Sales and Marketing program. Elisha encourages new graduates to “Work hard and build relationships with people who can provide connections to interesting industries and job opportunities. Learn from people in the workforce and show interest in what you are doing. Aim high – the opportunities are endless for those who are willing to work for it!”

For more information about Loyalist’s two-year Business Sales and Marketing Diploma program contact program Coordinator Professor Brad Baragar at bbaragar@loyalistc.on.ca or call 613-969-1913 Ext. 2100 to arrange a campus tour.

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