About the Center
The nature of selling has rapidly evolved and the Center for Leadership in Professional Selling (CLPS) is equipping students with the skills and insight needed to thrive in a data-driven sales environment. The CLPS develops students into budding sales professionals that are skilled in building relationships and creating value for buyers.
Marketing and Professional Selling Certificate students will learn and practice the entire sales process, from prospecting strategies to pre-call planning, meeting execution, and long-term relationship building. On the technical side, students will use industry software like HubSpot and can earn digital marketing certifications and the Salesforce Business Administration Specialist Superbadge.
The CLPS features simulation offices where students can role-play their sales techniques in various settings with representatives from partner firms. All simulated spaces allow students to share digital presentations and sales materials while live-streaming and recording their pitches. Students can review their performance and sales experts can embed constructive feedback to help them refine their approach and hone their selling skills.
Students have access to several modern spaces to practice their pitches:
- Marvin Balliet Family Lobby
- Coach Dan McCann Sales Training Room
- Four Simulated Offices
- Daniels Industries Sales Lobby
- The Richard B. Hodos Sales Board Room
Explore the links below to learn more about the Center:
Hear From Our Students
As a marketing major, joining the sales team pushed me out of my comfort zone and instantly solidified my concentration in professional selling. I now have purpose and direction.”
Experiential Learning
CLPS Sales Competition
This internal Sales Competition welcomes students of all class levels, but it's particularly valuable for underclassmen who want to explore sales and gain exposure to competitive selling. Students are divided into two divisions based on prior competition experience. Cash prizes are presented to the top two students in each division: $600 for First Place and $200 for Second Place. For the past two years, Airgas has served as the competition sponsor.
Steel City Sales Challenge
The Steel City Sales Challenge (SCSC) is a virtual, two-day, tournament-style competition sponsored by Ally Financial. Undergraduate students from universities across the country play the roles of sales professionals and compete for $15,000+ in prizes in sales role-play and elevator pitch tracks. In 2025, more than 120 students competed from 17 universities.
Duquesne University Sales Team
The Duquesne University Sales Team (DUST) is an inclusive organization for students of all majors to explore the world of sales and develop practical expertise. DUST facilitates networking opportunities with both local and national organizations seeking to hire students for sales roles, offering avenues for internships and full-time employment. Students can join the DUST competition team and compete in prestigious regional and national sales competitions.
Networking Events
Networking is key to student success. The CLPS hosts Meet the Firm Night, an annual networking event for Marketing, Sales, Management, Supply Chain Management, and Finance students. Students meet professionals from our corporate partner companies and other top firms while exploring career paths and learning about internship and job opportunities. The School hosts the annual Marketing Mix-er, which is geared toward marketing students with concentrations in Professional Selling, Digital Marketing, and Sports Marketing.
Programs
Students in these undergraduate marketing and sales programs hone their skills through the Center for Leadership in Professional Selling's simulation labs, sales competitions, and networking events.
Marketing Major: Marketing majors choose a concentration in one of three areas—Professional Selling and Marketing, Digital Marketing and Analytics, or Sports Marketing. Business students can minor in one of the three concentrations by taking four courses (12 credits).
Certificate in Professional Selling: This certificate is available to non-business majors who wish to pursue a sales or business development career within their discipline, like pharmaceutical or tech sales.
Regional and National Sales Competitions
DUST has proudly represented Duquesne University in the following competitions:
- International Collegiate Sales Competition, Orlando, FL
- State Farm Sales Competition, Kansas City, MO
- Redbird (IL State) Sales Competition, Virtual
- National Collegiate Sales Competition, Kennesaw (Atlanta), GA
- Robert Morris University Sales Competition, Pittsburgh, PA
- National Shore Sales Competition, Ocean City, MD
- University of Toledo Sales Competition, Toledo, OH
Meet the Center Directors
Susan Eppley
Andrea DiBernardo
Gold Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Event Sponsor
